THE CANNABIS THREAD 101!!

[roots69]

This cannabis green rush is coming to this colony!! Getting high from cannabis is just one of many options, a person can do with cannabis!! But the most important part is understanding how the plant grows.. This thread will show the options for growing nature finest product!! Enjoy and happy learning!!



What Is Hydroponics? An Overview of Soilless Growing


Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without the use of soil. The plant roots are suspended in sand, gravel, water, coco peat, rockwool, or clay pellets (just to name a few), and nutrients are applied directly to the roots using a solution. Any water that is not absorbed by the roots is recycled through the system to be absorbed later.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, we’ll explore everything those interested in hydroponics should know, from the different growing systems to what nutrients one should use. For Part 2, we’ll go into how to grow cannabis using hydroponic growing methods.

A Hydroponics History Lesson
This method has a futuristic quality about it, but you might be surprised to learn the practice stretches back centuries. Some theorize that around 600 BC, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were established with hydroponic methods. Historians can conclude with more certainty that the Aztecs used a style of hydroponic farming in the 10th and 11th centuries when they began to farm on Lake Tenochtitlan.


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Today, hydroponic cultivation has given rise to some of the world’s best cannabis. The increasing popularity of cannabis cultivation has massively contributed to advancements in hydroponic systems and nutrient formulation, and it continues to help write the modern history of hydroponics. But what more is there to know about this age-old technique embraced by farmers worldwide?

The Different Hydroponic Systems for Your Garden
Hydroponics is a loosely defined term; there are many different unique systems that can be classified as hydroponics. The common denominator all hydroponic systems share is that they are soilless systems that provide three main ingredients: nutrients, oxygen, and water. Below are six of the most common styles of hydroponic techniques.

Deep Water Culture (DWC)

(Amy Phung/Leafly)
Deep water culture (DWC) is the most basic of all hydroponic systems. This system is good for beginners as it’s very cost effective and easy to run.

The idea is simple. Plants are put in separate containers and each is placed in a grow tray that is suspended in water. Alternatively, companies such as Current Culture or Root Spa have created pots that can hold water individually, removing the need for trays.

In this setup, the water tank has an air pump to keep the water oxygenated, and nutrients are then added to the water to feed the plant via the roots. The roots can stay submerged and still receive oxygen thanks to oxygenating air pumps.


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Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

(Amy Phung/Leafly)
Unlike the simple DWC system, the nutrient film technique (NFT) is a bit more complex. For this method, you are taking your oxygenated water nutrient solution and pumping it from the reservoir to your planting tube. Growers commonly use large-circumference PVC tubing that is angled at a slight decline so that the pumped water solution drains down the planting tube, passing by the roots of all the plants before being recycled into the holding tank.

One common issues with the NFT system is the water solution failing to exit the planting tube. If water sits stagnant in the channel, bacteria can grow and kill your plants. To prevent this issue, the angle of the planting tube needs to be steep enough to allow the solution to pass through entirely. Keep in mind that root density may also cause chamber clogging, as they grow fast and thick in such an ideal environment.

On the other hand, one benefit of NFT is the ability to expand the system easily. Adding more holes in your planting tube to hold more plants, or simply adding more planting tubes, will allow you to easily expand your grow as long as your holding tank and pump can handle the extra work.


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Ebb and Flow

(Amy Phung/Leafly)
Unlike NFT or DWC systems, an ebb and flow system does not continuously cover the roots in water. Like an ocean tide coming in and out of mangroves, the ebb and flow system will fill a tray with the oxygenated water nutrient solution, treating the growing medium and the plants. Once full, the pump will turn off and solution will drain back down into the reservoir, where it will stay until the garden is ready to be flooded again at the desired interval.

This is a great system in that the roots receive massive doses of oxygen in between tray flooding. It also allows you to harvest plants easily while adding or taking away plants.


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Drip System

(Amy Phung/Leafly)
A drip system is one of the more popular systems for growing on a commercial scale, and it offers the greatest array of media choices. Using individual drippers that are placed in each plant’s growing medium, you deliver equal amounts of the oxygenated water nutrient solution to every plant. Excess solution that is not absorbed by the plants is drained back into the reservoir to be pumped back through the dripper system as necessary.

This system allows for the quick harvest and swapping out of plants by simply removing the dripper from the growing medium. By using dripper systems with customizable flows, you can control how much solution each plant is receiving. Also, with a drip system you have more control over the watering schedule in your garden and can easily change the frequency of waterings based on what the plants need at that given time.


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Aeroponics

(Amy Phung/Leafly)
Aeroponics is the most unique hydroponic system. With an aeroponic system, the oxygenated water nutrient solution is being taken from the reservoir and then pumped into misting valves that spray a fine mist into chambers where the roots are exposed. By growing aeroponically, you are introducing the highest percentage of oxygen to the roots by not continually soaking the roots in water. Aeroponic systems can be costly to set up, but they’re also very effective for large-scale grows as they allow for successful vertical growing, thus maximizing your growing space.

The biggest concern for growing aeroponically is clogged misting valves. Without any moisture on the roots, your plants will die rapidly.


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Wick System

(Amy Phung/Leafly)
The wick system is the most basic system of hydroponics. Similar to DWC, a wick system uses a material such as a piece of rope through a PVC tube. The oxygenated water nutrient solution is pulled up the rope and dispersed in the growing tray. Using this method, you do not need a water pump to bring the solution to the plants, which means one less piece of machinery that can break down. This is a very basic system that can be used to explore how hydroponics work before investing in more complex setups.

Hydroponic Growing Mediums
The list of growing mediums that can be used for hydroponics is virtually endless, but we’ll review three of the most common. These mediums vary in their ability to allow oxygen in and retain water, and they can be used in different ways to support and contain the plants. As you practice hydroponics, you’ll discover what medium best suits your system and your plants.


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Rockwool

Rockwool is made of thin rock fibers that were created by heating rocks to extremely high temperatures and then spinning them into small threads. Rockwool has been a longtime favorite for hydroponic growing because of its ability to breathe and retain moisture.

When using rockwool, it needs to be soaked in a pH solution before being used. To do this, prepare a pH solution that has a reading of 5.5, then soak the rockwool in the solution for 8-12 hours. Once you have soaked the rockwool, check the pH level of the solution—if it is between 5.5 and 6.0, the rockwool is ready for use.

Clay Pellets

A common reusable medium, clay pellets are heavy enough to support your plants but light enough to work with easily. Clay pellets wick up moisture towards the roots while their size allows for enough oxygen to flow through.

Coconut Fiber

Similar to rockwool but sustainable, coconut fibers once were a waste product that are now being used as a grow medium for hydroponics. They allow in more oxygen and retain more moisture than rockwool, making them a very popular hydroponic medium. Furthermore, coconut fibers have plant-stimulating hormones that help protect roots from infection and disease.


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Hydroponic Nutrients
When gardening with hydroponics, you can completely control the nutrients supplied to the root system as well as the pH level. A benefit of growing hydroponically is that the roots can easily access nutrients without having to search for them. Complete control of the pH level also allows for maximum nutrient uptake by the plant. The energy saved by bringing the nutrients directly to the roots and keeping a stable pH level results in bigger and stronger plants.

The most notable difference between growing in soil and hydroponically is that soil on its own has nutrients and microorganisms that benefit the plant. When you are feeding a plant in soil, you are supplementing the nutrients while also feeding the microorganisms. If you do not feed a plant in soil, it will still grow but will not reach its full potential.

With hydroponics, you are responsible for providing all the nutrients the plant needs to survive. If you neglect nutrients the plant needs, it will die. Consequently, quality nutrients are essential when growing with hydroponics as there is no room for error.


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Looking into the different systems, mediums, and nutrients for hydroponics can be overwhelming. However, hydroponic systems allow you to produce robust, healthy, and large plants that mature quickly by providing an ideal environment. What cannot be stressed enough is that when growing hydroponically, you can’t cut corners with the quality of your system. Your equipment must run, your mediums must be supportive and clean, and your nutrients must be accurate. When you meet these requirements, gardening with hydroponics will yield incredible results.

Now that you have an understanding of hydroponic growing, next we’re going to explore how to best use systems and techniques for your cannabis crop. Stay tuned!

 

[roots69]

Part 2, How to Grow Hydroponic Cannabis




How to Grow Hydroponic Cannabis

What Is Hydroponic Cannabis?
The common nickname for cannabis—“weed” —comes from its ability to grow almost anywhere, under varying conditions and different climates. “Hydroponic cannabis” simply refers to plants grown using a nutrient-water solution and an inert growing medium rather than nutrient-rich soil. This method could be something as basic as hand-watering pots of inert medium with a nutrient solution. As discussed in the first part of this series, sophisticated systems with multiple pumps, timers, and reservoirs can take some of the daily labor out of growing, but they require more maintenance and setup time as well as a greater initial investment.


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What Is Hydroponics? An Overview of Soilless Growing
Cannabis growers have been using different hydroponic methods for many years as a way to maximize yields and speed up growth, the two main advantages of soilless growing. Working with soils indoors can be inefficient and difficult for a number of reasons:

• You may not be able to recycle soil
• Susceptibility to pest problems
• Difficult to determine proper amount of nutrients
• Need to carefully monitor soil pH
• Soil quality significantly influences the final product

With some hydroponic methods, you get to use small amounts of grow media that can often be reused while also precisely controlling what nutrients the plants are receiving and pH levels. With such levels of control, growers find that their buds are bigger, healthier and more potent.

Whether you have grown cannabis before or have no experience growing cannabis whatsoever, hydroponics can be a great way to produce cannabis in any size space. At first it can be confusing and slightly overwhelming, but by learning the basics you will come to understand it’s not as difficult as you imagined.

Set Up Your Hydroponic Cannabis Growing System
There are numerous setups for growing hydroponically with varying benefits that were discussed previously here. And while there are several types of hydroponic setups that don’t use any type of growing medium at all, many of them still use some sort of substrate to support root growth.

Various materials all provide slightly different benefits and drawbacks, so some thought should be put into choosing the right medium for your cannabis plants. In this article, we are going to be utilizing the drip line hydroponics technique.


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While this system is built from the ground up, it should be noted that there are plenty of plug and play systems available for those looking for something that is easy to set up. Plug and play systems come with everything you need in a streamlined package to allow growers to get started on the right foot.

First we will start with the supplies needed. Keep in mind this is just an example, and depending on your space and desired results, many things can be tweaked in a hydroponic system to make it most beneficial to you. This list specifically outlines equipment needed to install your hydroponic system and does not include lights, fans, filters, and other basic needs for any grow room.

Hydroponic Cannabis Supplies:

• 3 or 5 gallon bucket (one for each plant)
• Grow table
• Clay pellets (enough to fill each bucket)
• Rockwool cubes (one 1.5-inch starter plug per plant)
• Reservoir tank (depending on the size of garden)
• Water pump (the bigger the better)
• Air pump
• Air stone
• Plastic tubing
• Drip line
• Drip line emitters (one or two per plant)

Browse Hydroponic Growing Supplies
Once you have gathered your materials you can begin to construct your hydroponic setup.

(Amy Phung/Leafly)

1. First, set up your reservoir. Your reservoir is where your nutrient solution is held. A reservoir can come in all shapes and sizes depending on your grow space and size, and it holds the water pump and the air stone. It will have a line in from the air pump to the air stone and a drainage line in from the grow table. The reservoir will have a line out from the water pump to the drip line and the power cord for the water pump.
2. Next you will create your grow table. The purpose of the table is to contain and return the excess water from the plants to the reservoir. To do this successfully, the table needs to have a low point where all the excess water will travel to. This low point is where you install the drain that will take the water back to the reservoir via plastic tubing.
3. You can then add your 5 gallon buckets filled with clay pellets on the table. Before using clay pellets, you should soak the pellets overnight to allow them to become fully saturated with water for your plants to drink. Also, the buckets need to have holes drilled in the bottom to allow them to drain excess water onto the grow table. It is important that the holes are about half the diameter of the clay pellets to prevent the pellets from passing through or clogging the holes.
4. Take the plastic tubing coming off of the water pump and run the line to the grow table. From here you can use drip line equipment to puncture holes in the plastic tubing and extend drip line to each bucket. Finally, attach drip line emitters to the end of the drip lines.
5. From here you can run your system without plants to see if everything is functioning properly. The system should not have standing water anywhere. The air pump should always be running to keep the water in the reservoir oxygenated and moving, while the 5 gallon buckets and grow table drains any excess water back into the reservoir.
6. At this point you are setup and ready to create your nutrient water solution in your reservoir. Below we will introduce information about nutrients and how to use them to grow your cannabis plants.
7. Once your solution is ready, can introduce your plants. Take the starts or clones that have begun growing in rockwool and place them into the clay pellets. Insert the drip line so that moisture is reaching the rockwool and roots of your starts.

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A benefit this setup offers is that it can easily be expanded as you want to grow more plants as long as your reservoir has enough capacity to provide all the plants with enough water. To expand a drip line setup, all you need to do is add additional lines to the new pots.

Nutrients for Hydroponic Cannabis
When growing hydroponically, you are responsible for providing all of the nutrients necessary for plants to survive. Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) are the three essential nutrients for plant growth known as macronutrients. Additionally, there are secondary and micronutrients that will help the plant develop as well. These include Boron, Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Sulfur, and Zinc.

Many companies sell hydroponic nutrient solutions that are specifically designed for certain stages of growth. Nitrogen-rich nutrient solutions will be used in the vegetative stage while phosphorus-rich nutrients become more necessary in the flowering phase.

Nutrients will come either pre-mixed in a solution or in powder form. While powder form might be cheaper and less bulky, it is best to stick with liquid pre-mixed nutrients if you are a small-time grower as they mix with water easily and are more forgiving.

Explore Nutrients for Your Hydroponic Cannabis
When mixing in nutrients, take a few measurements to make sure your solution is safe for the plants. First, make sure you have the right EC (electrical conductivity) reading, and secondly, ensure your pH reading is correct.

The EC reading is how growers can tell how strong their solution is, and how mineral-rich the water is. The more minerals, the higher the EC rating will be. Generally speaking, a reading between 0.8 to 2.0 is appropriate for growing cannabis. When a plant is young, it will need a lower amount of nutrients as opposed to when it is flowering and growing quite big.


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Another common measurement used is ppm (parts per million) which is another way of looking at how nutrient-dense your solution is. There are two different scales for ppm used in the cannabis industry: the 500 and the 700 scale. The most efficient way to determine ppm is to take an EC reading, multiply it by either 500 or 700 depending on the scale you are using. An EC reading of 2.0 would equal either 1,000 ppm (500 scale) or 1,400 ppm (700 scale). Many readers used to measure EC or ppm will do this conversion for you.

The lower the ppm, the less nutrient-dense a solution is. As a general rule, aim for the following densities based on your plant’s age:

• Seedlings/early sprouts – 100 to 250 ppm
• Early vegetative stage – 300 to 400 ppm
• Full vegetative stage – 450 to 700 ppm
• Early blooming stage – 750 to 950 ppm
• Full mature bloom/ripening stage – 1,000 to 1,600 ppm

Note what scale the nutrients you are using are based upon before making any nutrient solutions.

Next, you’ll need to balance the pH level. Between 5.5 and 6 is ideal for cannabis to absorb the nutrients. If levels are off significantly, the plants will fail to uptake the nutrients and will suffer deficiencies.

You should continue to monitor your solution by taking readings two times a day to make sure everything is at the correct levels. Regardless, it is good practice to switch out your solutions every week or two to keep the solution as optimal as possible.


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Caring for Cannabis Grown With Hydroponics vs. Soil
Raising a plant with hydroponics is different in many ways from growing in a soil garden. One thing to consider is the support the plant is receiving. Unlike a plant growing in soil, plants in hydro mediums might be vulnerable to tipping or breaking. Trellising your garden will help to prevent this from happening and will also allow you to train your plants to grow in specific directions.

Another thing to consider is pruning. With hydroponics, your plants can grow extremely fast. This means you need to be diligent about pruning. Removing all the bottom foliage and topping your plant before switching to its flowering cycle will allow your top colas (the large, topmost buds) to receive all the energy they need.


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Growing hydroponically does require that you invest a good amount of time and money into developing your system prior to actually starting your garden. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure your system works effectively and your nutrients are high quality so that your plants will flourish. Once you gain a knack for hydroponics, you’ll be on your way to producing world-class cannabis that is well worth the effort.

 

[roots69]

Four Steps to Picking the Right Grow Lights

Between fluorescent, HIDs, and LEDs, cannabis growers have many different grow light options which may be difficult to distinguish between. We solicited the help of Cole Johnstone from Solid Apollo, a Seattle company which specializes in LED lighting, to help answer some of your questions and give us the low-down on grow lights.

Here are a few key things you should know before you buy:

1. Pick Grow Lights That Are Full Spectrum

In order to properly photosynthesize (use light to produce energy to feed themselves), plants rely on different wave lengths of light. Most plants can grow as long as they are exposed to some form of light, but they will grow much better when they have access to a wide spectrum of different wave lengths.

Cole says:

“Indoor cultivation can definitely be quite tricky and requires an investment in good soil, temperature control, fertilizer, pest control, and watering. Lighting is indeed a big part of the equation, with LED lights adding a sigh of relief into any grow operation.

“A single LED can be fine-tuned to any wave length or in a spectrum such as a “white LED.” This means you can have coverage through infrared, ultraviolet, and visible light. An LED grow light, which has dozens of individual spectra, can provide the exact light a plant requires.

“Many LED grow lights can be set up on a simple wall-timer in whatever cycle your specific plants need. Our lights are full spectrum, meaning the only change required for flowering would be to shorten the daylight cycle your grow light is on, from, say, 8 to 12 hours.

“Other lights sources, such as HPS, Fluorescent, and Metal Halide lamps, produce large amounts of heat. They also have a banded spectrum that doesn’t cover all of what plants need to grow properly, as well as putting off large amounts of green light, while Solar Core Grow Lights, the brand that we sell at Solid Apollo, don’t waste energy in producing unnecessary spectra.”

2. Pick Grow Lights That Use Less Energy

Grow lights will need to be on for up to 12 hours a day. This means your energy bills will skyrocket, but some of the costs can be lessened by picking the right lights.

Cole says:

“Everyday LEDs are becoming more universal and accepted in all areas of lighting. They are low power, high brightness, and environmentally friendly. For these reasons alone, many growers are turning to LEDs to save from the traditionally high costs that have been associated with indoor growing. Saving money really grabs the attention of someone with a large growing business.

“When used for 12 hours a day, 365 days a year, an LED chip can easily last for 10 years. The chips we use in our lights, for example, are rated for 50,000 hours, and usually last longer than that. Even the best fluorescent tubes, which are very efficient as well, only last up to 20,000 hours. The efficiency of LED chips is partially based on the color they produce, with Red LEDs being nearly 97% efficient.

“We estimate LEDs are up to 70% more efficient than HPS grow lights based upon initial costs (ballast, heat control, tubing), lifespan, durability (breaking bulbs, etc.), and energy costs.”

3. Pick Grow Lights That Are Lower Maintenance

Not only do lights cost quite a bit of money, you’re also better off buying lights that you won’t have to fuss with every other week.

Cole says:

“The lights we manufacture are plug-n-play (plug it in and walk away) and require no maintenance other than ensuring they are mounted properly, and adjusting the height as your plants grow. LED lights do not require replacement ‘bulbs’ like typical HPS and Metal Halide. Also, LED chips don’t dim throughout their lifetime and will produce the same amount of light for, as said before, at least 50,000 hours. They can literally last a lifetime of growing.”

4. Ask Before You Buy

Whether you’re a home grower or a major producer, purchasing the proper grow light system will require some serious dough. Before you buy, there are a few key questions that potential buyers (LED or not) should be asking companies.

Here’s what Cole thought our readers should know:

• What is the warranty on your lights?
• Do you offer a money-back guarantee?
• Are your lights full spectrum?
• How can I best configure your lights for my grow operation?
• Are you local so I can come to you with any concerns I may have?
• Are you knowledgeable about growing in general?

Said Cole, “Solar Core Grow Lights have a 120-day money back guarantee and a 5-year product warranty. We wouldn’t offer these guarantees unless we were very confident in our lights. We also designed these lights for a variety of applications, from simple indoor grow to greenhouse growing and for modular formation. Other companies should be held to the same standards.”

 

[roots69]

How to Grow Marijuana Outdoors: A Beginner’s Guide

Growing your own cannabis can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging, frustrating, and expensive. For the first-time grower with limited resources, an indoor grow can prove too costly to be an option. The good news is that a small outdoor garden can yield plenty of quality cannabis without a large monetary investment. If you have access to a sunny spot in a private yard or even on a balcony, terrace, or rooftop, you can successfully grow cannabis. Our guide to outdoor growing will go over the different factors you need to consider in order to set up your first outdoor grow.



Step 1: Consider the Climate

It’s crucial to have a good understanding of the climate in the area where you live. Cannabis is highly adaptable to various conditions, but is still susceptible to extreme weather. Sustained temperatures above 86°F will cause your plants to stop growing, while temperatures below 55°F can also cause damage and stunting, even death. Heavy rains and high winds can cause physical damage to plants and reduce yields, and excessive moisture can lead to mold and powdery mildew, especially during flowering.

In addition to weather patterns, you need to understand how the length of day changes seasonally in your area. For example, at 32° N latitude (San Diego), you will experience just over 14 hours of daylight on the summer solstice (the longest day of the year), while at 47° N (Seattle) you will have about 16 hours of daylight on the same day.




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One useful resource is Sunset Magazine’s climate zone map, which takes multiple factors like elevation and proximity to large bodies of water into consideration, unlike the USDA hardiness zone maps. It’s also a good idea to utilize local resources, as experienced gardeners in your area will have a wealth of knowledge about growing flowers and vegetables that can be applied to growing cannabis. If you have some experience gardening and growing veggies, you might also find that growing cannabis outdoors is a fairly easy endeavor.



Step 2: Pick a Location

Choosing the location for your outdoor garden will be the most important decision you make, especially if you’re planting in the ground or in large, immobile containers (some plants grow outdoors in containers that can be moved around depending on the weather and location of the sun). Your cannabis plants should receive at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, ideally during midday when the quality of light is the best.

If you live in an area where sustained daytime temperatures are above 86°F, you might want to choose a spot that gets direct sun early in the day and filtered sun during the hottest parts of the day. An area that gets a constant breeze is also a good choice in hot climates, although this will increase water consumption. On the other hand, if you live in an area that sees a lot of high winds, you should consider planting near a windbreak of some sort, like a wall, fence, or large shrubbery. Those who live in cooler climates can benefit from planting near a feature that retains heat, like a south-facing brick wall or fence, while those in hot areas will definitely want to avoid these spots.




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Finally, you will want to consider privacy and security. Most people will want to conceal their gardens from judgmental neighbors and potential thieves. Tall fences and large shrubs or trees are your best bet, unless you happen to live in a secluded area. Some folks plant in containers on balconies or rooftops that are shielded from view, while some build heavy-gauge wire cages to keep thieves and animals at bay. Whatever you decide to do, remember that outdoor cannabis plants can grow to 15 feet tall or more, so plan accordingly.



Step 3: Acquire Some Soil

Soil is made up of three basic components in various ratios:

• Clay
• Sand
• Silt

Cannabis plants need well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich with organic matter in order to thrive. If you decide to plant directly in the ground, you’ll need to understand your soil composition and amend it accordingly.

Heavy clay soils drain slowly and don’t hold oxygen well, so they will need to be heavily amended. At least a month before you plant, dig large holes where you’ll be placing your cannabis plants and mix in large amounts of compost, manure, worm castings, or other decomposed organic matter. This will provide aeration and drainage as well as nutrients for the plants.




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Sandy soil is easy to work, drains very well, and warms quickly, but doesn’t hold nutrients well, especially in rainy environments. Again, you will want to dig large holes for your plants and add things like compost, peat moss, and coco coir, which will help bind the soil together, providing food and air circulation. In hot climates, sandy soil should be mulched to help with water retention and to keep roots from getting too hot.

Silty soil is the ideal growing medium. It’s easy to work, warms quickly, holds moisture while also having good drainage, and contains a lot of nutrients. The best silty loam is found in prehistoric riverbeds and lake bottoms. This dark, crumbly soil is the most fertile, and will likely need little or no amendment.

If you really want to ensure good results and minimize headaches, having your soil tested is easy and relatively inexpensive. A soil testing service will tell you the makeup and pH of your soil, notify you of any contaminants, and also recommend amending materials and fertilizers.



Step 4: Get Some Fertilizer

Cannabis plants require a large amount of food over their lifecycle, mainly in the form of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and how you choose to feed them will depend on your methods and soil composition.

Commercial fertilizers aimed at home gardeners can be used if you have a good understanding of how they work and what your plants need, but should generally be avoided by less experienced growers (particularly long-release granular fertilizer like Miracle Gro). You can purchase nutrient solutions designed specifically for cannabis from your local grow shop, but these are often expensive and can damage soil bacteria as they are generally composed of synthetic mineral salts and intended for indoor, soil-less growing.

Many long-time outdoor growers are dedicated to organic methods of fertilization because it takes full advantage of the microbial life in the soil and minimizes harmful runoff. There are many different natural and organic fertilizers available at your local home and garden store like blood meal, bone meal, fish meal, bat guano, and kelp meal. Educating yourself about what they are and how they work will be extremely useful.




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Concentrate on the products that are least expensive and most readily available. Some of these materials release their nutrients quickly and are easily used by the plant, while others take months or years to release food that is useable. If done correctly, you can mix in a few of these products with your soil amendments to provide enough nutrition for the entire life of your plants. Again, having your soil tested can provide very useful information on the types and amounts of fertilizer you should use. If you are unsure how much to use, be conservative; you can always top dress your plants if they start to show deficiencies.

Another method of fertilization being used more and more often these days is organic pre-fertilized soil, aka “super-soil,” which can be homemade or store-bought. Either way, it is more expensive than simply amending the soil in your garden, but it requires almost no thought, as all the required nutrients are already there. Simply dig large holes for your plants, fill them halfway with super-soil, and top with potting soil.



Step 5: Give Your Cannabis Plants Water

While outdoor cannabis gardens have the benefits of rain and groundwater not found indoors, you will most likely need to water your plants frequently, especially in the hotter summer months. Large cannabis plants can use up to 10 gallons of water every day in warm weather. Growers who live in hot, arid places will often dig down and place clay soil or rocks below their planting holes to slow drainage, or plant in shallow depressions that act to funnel runoff towards the plants. Adding water-absorbing polymer crystals to the soil is another good way to improve water retention.

If you live in a particularly rainy climate, you may need to take steps to improve drainage around your garden, as cannabis roots are very susceptible to fungal diseases when they are in waterlogged conditions. These techniques include:

• Planting in raised beds or mounds
• Digging ditches that direct water away from the garden
• Adding things like gravel, clay pebbles, and perlite to the soil

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How to Grow Cannabis Indoors: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’re using tap or well water, it’s a good idea to test it first. Water may contain high levels of dissolved minerals that can build up in the soil and affect the pH level, or it might have high levels of chlorine which can kill beneficial soil life. Many people filter their water for this reason.

Container gardens dry out much quicker than those planted in the ground, and will often need to be watered every day. Plants grown in hot and/or windy conditions will need to be watered more frequently as well; high temperatures and winds force the plant to transpire at a greater rate. Remember that over-watering is the most common mistake made by rookie growers. The rule of thumb is to water deeply, then wait until the top inch of soil is completely dry before watering again. An inexpensive soil moisture meter is a good tool for the beginner to have.

Step 6. Choose Your Container Gardens

Container gardens are often a good choice for people who don’t have the ideal spot to grow or have really terrible soil conditions. There are numerous benefits to growing outdoors in containers, but there are drawbacks as well. If you’re unable to perform the heavy labor involved with digging holes and amending soil, containers can be the only way for you to grow your own cannabis.

If you don’t have a suitable patch of earth to make a garden, containers can be placed on decks, patios, or rooftops, and moved around during the day to take advantage of as much sun as possible or to shield the plants from excessive heat or wind. Additionally, you may use regular cannabis nutrients designed for indoor grows, taking much of the guesswork out of fertilizing your plants.

These benefits lead many first-timers to use containers for their initial outdoor grow. However, plants grown in pots, buckets, or barrels will likely be much smaller than those planted in the ground because their root growth is restricted to the size of the container. In a broad sense, the size of the pot will determine the size of the plant, although it’s possible to grow large plants in small containers if proper technique is used.

In general, five gallons is the smallest size you would want to use, and 10 gallons or larger is recommended for hearty plants. Regardless of the size, you will want to protect the roots of your plants from overheating during warm weather, as pots of soil can rapidly reach 90°F or more on a hot day. This will severely limit your plants’ growth, so be sure to shade your containers from direct sunlight. And finally, you will need to water your container garden much more frequently, even every day during the summer. Water your plants deeply in the morning so they have an adequate supply throughout the day.



Step 7: Protect Your Cannabis Plants

Without the ability to control the environment as you would indoors, outdoor cannabis growers have had to figure out how to protect their plants from storms and other weather events that could damage or even kill them.

Temperature Changes
Temperatures below 40°F can quickly damage most varieties of cannabis, so if you live in a climate where late spring or early fall frosts are a common occurrence, using cloches, hot caps, cold frames, or other protective enclosures will likely be necessary.

Wind Conditions
High winds can break branches, damage trichomes, and stress your plants, leaving them vulnerable to pests and disease. If your garden is located in a particularly windy spot, or you’re expecting a particularly heavy blow, erecting some sort of windbreak is highly recommended. This can be as easy as attaching perforated plastic sheeting to garden stakes around your plants.

Rain
While helpful for watering your garden, rain is generally seen as a nuisance by cannabis growers as it can severely damage your crop and cause mold and mildew issues, especially when plants are flowering. If summer and early fall rains are likely in your area, it’s wise to choose a variety that has a natural resistance to mold. Make sure to fully support your plants with cages or stakes because rainwater will collect on leaves and buds, weighing your plants down and breaking branches. Otherwise, you can use plastic sheeting and stakes to build temporary shelters over your plants when you know rain is on the way.

Pests
Protecting your cannabis garden from pests can be challenging. Animal pests like deer and rabbits are dealt with easily enough: fences and cages will keep them at bay. When is comes to the vast array of crawling and flying insects that can attack your plants, things get a little more difficult. The best protection is to simply keep your plants healthy; most vigorous cannabis plants have a natural resistance to pests that makes minor infestations easy to deal with. It’s also a good idea to keep your plants separated from other flowers, vegetables, and ornamentals as pests from these can easily spread.




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Examine your cannabis plants daily for signs of pests. An infestation is far easier to deal with if you catch it early. Washing plants with a mild solution of soap and water can stop a minor infestation in its tracks. In the event that doesn’t work, there are many organic insecticides designed for use on cannabis, often derived from neem or other natural botanical extracts. These are quite effective when used correctly.



Step 8: Decide on Genetics

The success of your outdoor cannabis grow will depend heavily on choosing the right variety for your climate and location. If you live in an area with a history of cannabis growing, chances are good that there are many strains that have been proven successful there, or were even bred specifically for your climate.

Mismatched Climates
Some strains simply don’t produce well in unfamiliar climates, the prime example being tropical sativa varieties. Cannabis plants start flowering when days start to get shorter; these tropical plants are acclimated to areas closer to the equator where the length of day doesn’t vary as much. When you attempt to grow them in northern latitudes, they begin flowering much too late to take advantage of the late-summer sun. These strains can also take 50-100% longer to finish flowering, meaning they sometimes don’t finish until December. If you live in southern California, you may grow these varieties without any problems; in Seattle or Vancouver, B.C. they just won’t produce before being killed by lack of light, heavy rain and cold weather.




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Cannabis Seeds vs. Clones
While most indoor growers grow from clones (rooted cuttings that will be genetically identical to the plant they were taken from), outdoor growers often prefer to grow from seed. Both options have their advantages and drawbacks.

Cloning requires a “mother plant,” which is a plant kept under 16-24 hours of light per day to prevent it from flowering. Alternately, you may purchase clones from a local dispensary. The benefit to this route is that “mother plants” are generally proven to produce quality bud, and all clones will be female plants that exhibit the same characteristics. These clones will need to be rooted indoors, and then hardened off much like you would a seedling that was started indoors.

One drawback is that clones tend to be less vigorous than seeds, meaning plants are smaller and yield less, although you can still produce large plants by growing clones indoors in late winter and early spring to get a head start on the growing season. Also, cloned plants don’t develop a taproot, the thick central root that penetrates deep into the ground to stabilize the plant and take up ground water, so they’re more susceptible to high winds and drought.

Plants grown from seed are generally more hearty as young plants when compared to clones. Cannabis seedlings are tolerant of low temperatures and wet conditions, meaning you can plant seeds directly into the garden in early spring, even in cooler, wetter climates. If you choose to start them indoors, though, they will still need to be hardened off before transplanting.




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The main drawback to growing from seed is that there is no guarantee as to what you will end up with. Each cannabis seed is unique and will produce a different plant, so unless you choose an inbred seed line, you can’t really be sure what the final product will be like. Also, regular cannabis seeds produce both males and females, so you will have to sex your plants when they reach sexual maturity and cull any males. For this reason, many people choose feminized seeds.

Autoflowering seeds are another popular choice for outdoor growing, as they start blooming as soon as they reach maturity regardless of the length of day. Many gardeners in temperate climates will get two crops every year using autoflowering seeds, one planted late winter or early spring and another planted early summer.

Hopefully you now have enough knowledge to successfully start your own outdoor cannabis garden. Cultivating and growing plants should be an enjoyable and rewarding pastime, so remember, spend lots of time with your plants, and have fun!

 

[roots69]

Cannabis Seeds 101: All You Need to Know and More

What Are Cannabis Seeds?

Cannabis is a dioecious plant, meaning its female and male reproductive organs are found on separate individuals. Female cannabis plants are grown in an environment without males to produce what we find in medical and recreational stores: seedless, high potency marijuana flowers, traditionally known as “sinsemilla.”

In order to reproduce, the flower of a female plant must be pollinated by a male plant after which the female flower produces seeds. However, many varieties of cannabis can produce some male flowers alongside female flowers on the same plant, especially if exposed to environmental stressors or left to flower for a longer than normal period. This is known as the hermaphrodite condition, and sometimes these male flowers will produce viable pollen and self-pollinate the surrounding female flowers to create seeds.

Once the seeds are mature, the female plant begins to die, and seeds are either dropped to the ground where they germinate and grow into new cannabis plants the next spring, or they are harvested for processing into hemp seed oil, food products, or to be sown to become the next generation of plants.


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What Are Feminized Cannabis Seeds?

Feminized cannabis seeds are seeds that are produced by causing the monoecious, or hermaphrodite condition in a female cannabis plant. This is achieved through several methods:

• By spraying the plant with a solution of colloidal silver
• Through a method known as Rodelization
• Spraying gibberellic acid (much less common)

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What Are Feminized Cannabis Seeds?
Feminized seeds produce plants that are nearly identical to this self-pollinated (or “selfed”) female parent plant, as only one set of genes is present. This is sometimes referred to as “cloning by seed” and will not produce any male plants. However, most producers of feminized seeds do not go through the lengthy (and costly) process of identifying a completely stable mother plant for seed production. Many, if not most feminized seeds end up being hermaphrodites, which can result in flowers with seeds in them and reduced yields. Most experienced growers will not use feminized seed, and they should never be used for breeding purposes.

What Are Auto-Flowering Cannabis Seeds?

Most cannabis plants begin their flowering cycle when the photoperiod, or length of time they are exposed to light each day, is reduced to somewhere between 12 and 14 hours, regardless of the size or age of the plant. The species Cannabis ruderalis, however, will begin flowering once the plant reaches a certain age and does not depend on a change in photoperiod.

Some breeders have crossed the low-THC ruderalis with other more potent varieties to create auto-flowering strains. These strains will produce indica, sativa, or hybrid-like cannabis flowers that start blooming as soon as they reach maturity. This is desirable especially in northern climates where summers are short and cold, and wet weather comes early in the fall. Auto-flowering strains can be started in early spring and will flower during the longest days of summer to take advantage of the highest quality light available. Unlike clone mothers, auto-flowering strains cannot be kept in a vegetative state.


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What Is the Difference Between Cannabis Seeds and Cannabis Clones?

A clone is a cutting taken from a plant and then placed in some sort of grow medium to induce root production. Once it has rooted, it can be grown into a mature plant that is genetically identical to the one it was cut from.

Seeds carry genetic information from two parent plants that can be expressed in numerous different combinations, some like the mother, some like the father, and many presenting various traits from both. Creating identical cannabis plants using seeds is a very difficult and lengthy process. Generally, cannabis producers will plant many seeds and choose the best plant, and then take clones from that individual to grow their cannabis flowers, or simply start with a proven clone acquired from another grower as their mother plant.

Where Can I Buy Cannabis Seeds?

You can find cannabis seeds for sale from numerous online seed banks, many of which are located in the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, and Canada, where the laws on selling cannabis seeds are much more lax than in other countries. If you are ordering seeds from these companies and live within the United States, there is always a chance that they will be seized by US Customs and Border Protection. In states that have home-grow provisions in their medical marijuana laws, you may purchase seeds at dispensaries. Seed banks are popping up in many of these states and will often ship cannabis seeds anywhere in the US.


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What Is the Legality of Cannabis Seeds?

Depending on where you live, it may or may not be legal to sell, purchase, or possess cannabis seeds. In the United States, all cannabis seeds are considered illegal at the federal level unless they have been sterilized. Of course, all state laws allowing medical and recreational grows are technically breaking these federal regulations, so if you have a recreational grow license or medical recommendation in one of those states and follow the applicable codes, you can probably consider it legal to possess cannabis seeds.

Seed banks in other countries are allowed to sell their products “for souvenir purposes only” due to the specific wording of the legal codes there. US Customs and Border Protection will seize any cannabis seeds found in packages shipped into the US.

What Makes a Cannabis Seed High Quality?

There are several factors that go into determining whether cannabis seeds are high quality or not. First of all, they must be allowed to fully mature before harvest. Next, they must be properly stored as to not acquire mold or other pathogens that can spoil them. Seeds should be stored in a dark, cool place and used within 16 months, or frozen for future use.

The most important factor in seed quality is genetics. To grow quality cannabis, you need good genetics. Some less scrupulous breeders will simply cross a nice female with a random male and sell the resulting seeds. Other breeders will take their time crossing and backcrossing plants to stabilize the most desirable traits, while still producing an array of different phenotypes. This group represents most of the seeds on the market.

Really dedicated breeders have worked for years to create “inbred lines”, or IBLs, that will produce plants with very little noticeable difference. IBLs represent only a small fraction of the cannabis seed market, as they are generally used by breeders and not by cannabis producers.


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How Do Cannabis Seeds Germinate?

In the wild, female cannabis plants drop their seeds as they die in the fall, then when the warmer, wetter weather of spring comes around, these seeds sprout and become new plants. Traditional outdoor methods used for centuries involve simply broadcasting seeds by hand onto cultivated fields.

There are many methods used by modern growers to germinate seeds. The easiest is to put the seed in a light potting soil mix covered by ⅛ to ¼ of an inch of soil. Keep the soil moist and relatively warm (50-70 degrees Fahrenheit) until the seed has sprouted into a seedling. Other techniques involve lightly scuffing the seed coat to ensure the seed is able to crack open, pre-soaking the seeds, and even germinating them in a wet paper towel until the epicotyl emerges and then gently planting them in the grow medium with tweezers. There are also popular products called starter plugs that consist of a small block of growing medium, often compressed peat or coco coir, with a small hole in the middle into which the seed is placed.


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What Is There to Know About High-CBD Seeds?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the chemical components (known collectively as cannabinoids) found in the cannabis plant. Lately much has been made of the potential benefits of CBD for treating the symptoms of many diseases and conditions. Through millennia of human selection for high THC content, cannabis with high levels of CBD has become exceedingly rare, as the genetic pathways through which THC is synthesized by the plant are different than those for CBD production.

Cannabis used for hemp production has been selected for other traits, including very low THC content, so as to comply with various drug laws. Consequently, many varieties of hemp plant produce significant quantities of CBD. As interest in CBD as a medicine has grown, many breeders have been breeding cannabis that has high levels of CBD by crossing drug species with hemp species; some of these hybrids have little or no THC, some have 1:1 ratios, and some that still have high THC contents along with significant amounts of CBD (3% or more).


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Seeds for these varieties are now widely available online and through medical dispensaries. It should be noted, however, that any plant that is grown from these seeds is not guaranteed to produce high levels of CBD, as it takes many years to create a seed line that produces consistent results. There are breeders who are currently working on making seed strains with consistent CBD levels, but until these seeds are widely available, a grower who wants to produce cannabis with a certain THC to CBD ratio will need to grow from a tested and proven clone or grow many seeds out to maturity and have samples tested at a lab to determine the cannabinoid levels of each.

Why Are Cannabis Seeds So Expensive?

Cannabis seeds generally sell for about $10-$12 each, a far cry from the $3 pack of tomato seeds you can buy at the local nursery. People are often quite taken aback when they find that a pack of 10 cannabis seeds can cost well over $100. It’s not hard to pinpoint the reason for this: prohibition.

The breeding of commercial crop seeds can be done in a relatively short time because of the enormous scale and abundant resources of commercial breeding programs. The general rule is that if you can grow more plants at once, it’s easier to locate and stabilize desired traits and is less expensive to produce massive quantities of seeds. Add to this new scientific methods of testing for desired traits using tissue cultures and lab analyses, and you have a great advantage over your average cannabis breeder.



Even larger scale cannabis grows are miniscule when compared to your average commercial agricultural seed production facilities. Cannabis breeders working under prohibition or strictly regulated legal environments are simply not able to work on this scale, and must take much longer, sometimes as long as decades, to produce a quality seed line. When you combine this restriction with the threat of potential legal consequences for breeders (many have spent time in jail), it becomes easy to see why cannabis seeds are so expensive. It should be noted that high cost does not always equal high quality, as the industry is unregulated.

 

[roots69]

Introduction to Growing Cannabis with Aeroponics

Aeroponics is a method of growing cannabis plants that uses no medium for the roots. It’s a style of hydroponic gardening where the roots are suspended in the air as the nutrients and water are delivered via a system that continually mists the roots. This grow method was first discovered as a way to study plants’ root systems in the first half of the 20th century. Initially there was no thought to utilizing aeroponics beyond root-based research, but this changed over the years and aeroponics has since become a respectable and beneficial way to cultivate plants.


How Do Aeroponic Growing Systems Work?

As mentioned, aeroponics works by suspending the roots in the air and applying nutrients and water with a fine mist. The dissolved nutrients in the water in combination with the water itself, sunlight, CO2, and oxygen are enough to keep a cannabis plant healthy and thriving as long as the roots continuously receive moisture.

To accomplish this, aeroponic systems have a specific setup. The system is composed of two main features: the reservoir and the planter bed. The reservoir is where the water supply is stored and checked for quality and nutrient levels, and the planter bed is where the plants are grown. Planter beds can come in many designs but their foremost features include a misting system, drainage system, and a system for supporting and separating the roots from the plant. Finally, to connect the two, pumps are used to continuously exchange the water.



To start, a seedling grown in a medium (e.g. a rockwool cube) will be placed in net cup pots that separate the inside and outside of the planter bed. A collar is then placed around the base of the stalk. This collar helps to prevent the mist in the bed from evaporating or molding the stalk while protecting the roots from getting infected or damaged. From this point, the roots will grow out of the rockwool and through the net cup while the plant grows upward away from the bed.

The water used to feed the new plants is delivered through water lines with spray nozzle attachments that insert into the planter bed. When coming out of the nozzles, the water is made into a fine mist that then blankets the root systems of the plant. The excess moisture collects on the bottom of the planter bed and drains back into the reservoir to be recycled. It should be noted that some systems are designed to use the bottom of the planter bed as the reservoir and then pump the water directly back into the water lines. This style will work fine; however, it is more difficult to check the reservoir without disrupting the roots.

You can explore the cannabis growing products in Leafly’s product catalog to find some of the materials you’ll need to manage the plants in your aeroponic garden.

Aeroponics Advantages and Disadvantages

While there is a laundry list of benefits that come with growing cannabis using aeroponics, this method of gardening is not easy for beginners. Growers should have a vast knowledge about cannabis plants and the adequate funds to produce a quality product from aeroponics. It’s important to realize that this method requires close attention to detail, and therein lies many of its difficulties.

Aeroponic growing systems are based off a continual application of mist to the roots, thus requiring that the system stays active 24/7. Power outages, broken pumps, clogged nozzles, and empty reservoirs can all derail your garden. Roots without moisture will start dying within the hour. Systems must be in place to alert you of failures, and someone should be on hand to repair the issues presented, making aeroponics generally a costly means to growing cannabis. Additional hurdles include mold in the planter box and knowing when and how to properly feed your plants.



However, there are also numerous benefits that come with growing your cannabis with aeroponics. Your roots are in full contact with oxygen at all times and roots thrive on oxygen. Also, the nutrients dissolved in the water are being directly applied to the roots, making them readily available for the cannabis plant’s uptake.

Aeroponics allows plants to be placed closer together as they are not fighting for soil territory. The lack of soil also makes for quick and easy harvests and prevents pests commonly associated with soil from ever entering your cannabis grow space. Finally, aeroponics uses a very limited amount of water as all the water not being taken in by the plants is recycled.

Quality of Cannabis Grown with Aeroponics

Aeroponic systems are known for the quality product they produce. The combination of growing inside and applying nutrients directly the roots allows for the development of large, healthy buds. Flowers grown with aeroponics are known to blossom with ripe trichomes and in high yields, which make for a lucrative and desirable end product. However, sometimes they can lack the complex flavors that can be found by growing in soil.

 

[Mrfreddygoodbud]

damn it truly is a science.. I would love to grow some purely organic shit one day..

if I lived in sacramento... sheeeeeeeeeeett..

nice drop bruh..

 

[roots69]

Avoid These 5 Common Cannabis Growing Mistakes

Cannabis plants are known to be resilient. The plant grows successfully all over the globe in an array of climates, leading many to believe that the plant with the nickname “weed” should be a simple crop to grow. Keep in mind, however, that the cannabis consumed today is not like that which grows wild in the mountainous valleys of Nepal.




The sought-after cannabis of today’s market is cured, seedless, and potent with thick, flavorful buds. But achieving great cannabis is no easy feat, and many mistakes can be made along the way. Here are five of the most common pitfalls you can avoid with some preparation and careful monitoring.

1. Overfeeding Cannabis Plants
Overfeeding your plants is a classic mistake made by novice gardeners; you see your plants growing every day, but you’re concerned that the buds might not be developing fast enough. As animals, we intuitively think food equals growth, but overeating doesn’t do you or your plant any good. Food does not always promote growth. In fact, it can mean the exact opposite: overfeeding your plants can kill your garden.

Nutrients come in two forms: non-organic and organic. Organic nutrients come from compost, manure, and other refined minerals in the ground. They release slowly into the soil when applied and are not readily available for the plant to take up in excess, which means organic nutrients are your safest bet to try and avoid overfeeding.



However, you might not get the immediate boost you want from organics, so you might use non-organic nutrients. Or, if growing hydroponically, you may be using liquid non-organics. These products pack a lot of food into a small bottle, requiring precise measurements. Additionally, non-organics are readily available for the plant to uptake. For this reason, using too much will cause the plant to overfeed and “burn” itself, resulting in death or loss of yields.

When it comes to feeding, start low and slow. Follow the instructions and start below what is recommended. Observe your plants daily and communicate with your local grow store when looking for recommendations. Nutrients allow you to grow quality cannabis, but you must pay close attention.

2. Overwatering Cannabis Plants
When caring for a cannabis garden, cultivators are quick to fret over whether or not their plants are getting all the water they need. But like overfeeding, giving your plants too much water can harm or even kill them.

Overwatering will cause your roots to suffocate and die. Once root rot sets in, it’s nearly impossible to remove and you will have to start over. To avoid this setback, make sure the top inch of the soil is bone dry, or even lift your pots to get a feel for their weight. If you’re truly unsure, you can wait to see a little wilting in your plants to be sure they are ready for water.



Measure how much water your plants receive and develop a schedule. As they get bigger, you can increase the water quantity – but do so with caution.

3. Unsuitable Climate Control
Whether you’re gardening inside, outside, or in a greenhouse, you need to be fully aware of your climate. Temperature and humidity are crucial to the development of quality cannabis.

Let’s start with temperature. If your garden is too cold or too hot, you will see side effects. Cold temperatures can stunt your plants’ growth, and even colder temperatures will kill them. On the contrary, if your plants are too hot they will develop heat stress. The leaves curl in as if hiding from the light or sun, and the plants become weak and tired. If the hot climate continues, you will constantly battle this heat stress and the plant will eventually die or produce very unhealthy buds.



Cannabis plants can take extreme climates, but not routinely. You want to keep your plants happy at around 75°F when possible. If you’re lucky enough to garden outdoors where nights stay in the upper 50s, you will find a plant that grows faster than you ever imagined possible.

Make sure you also keep the humidity level of your garden low. Humidity provides a breeding ground for ever-present mold, which is constantly looking to decompose anything around it given the right climate. Seedlings like a higher humidity content, but as the plant develops, humidity should decrease. Starting around 60% and reducing to around 40% is generally considered good practice. To control humidity, use intake and outtake fans, open walls in greenhouses to burp the humid air out, and utilize dehumidifiers.



4. Using the Wrong Water pH for Cannabis
If the water you’re using for your cannabis garden is too acidic or basic, you can run into some real problems. Ideally, you want to use water that is between a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. This pH level allows your plants to absorb the full range of nutrients it desires. Fall outside of this range and you will start to see nutrient deficiencies because the water is lacking in acidity or is too acidic for that nutrient to become available.

Check the pH level of your water source routinely. You can buy filters to maintain a specific pH level and/or put additives in your water to raise or lower the acidity.

5. Poorly Installed Electrical Systems
Whatever electrical system you’re installing for your garden, make sure it is done properly. Because of security and legality, many growers have done their own electrical work, but it’s important to find someone with a background as a licensed electrician to help you.



Though costly up front, a dependable system will save you time and a headache. Electrical fires or malfunctioning systems will ruin your garden and put your life and property at risk.

 

[roots69]

4 Ways to Make Use of Male Cannabis Plants

Unlike most flowering plants, cannabis is unique in that it requires both a male and female plant to reproduce. While hermaphroditic (self-pollinating) cannabis does exist, the plant most commonly expresses male- or female-specific sex organs.


Female cannabis plants produce the large, resinous buds that are dried, cured, and consumed. For this reason, females are typically the only plants you’ll find in someone’s cannabis garden.



Male plants are commonly regarded as useless and discarded. While pollination by males is essential for producing more cannabis plants (unless working from clones), it’s a process that is generally best left to breeders so growers can focus on producing consumable seedless buds called sinsemilla.

Do male plants truly belong in a compost bin, or could they serve a more beneficial purpose to gardeners? Surprisingly, there are more uses for male plants than one might think.

1. Breeding
The obvious function of male cannabis plants is for breeding seeds. When pollinating females, males provide half of the genetic makeup inherited by seeds. Because of this, it’s important to look into the genetics of the male plants. Their shape, rate of growth, pest and mold resistance, and climate resilience can all be passed on to increase the quality of future generations.



2. Hemp Fiber
When it comes to hemp fiber, the male cannabis plants produce a softer material while females are responsible for producing a coarse, stronger fiber. The soft fiber from the male plants make them more desirable for products like clothing, tablecloths, and other household items.



3. Concentrate Production
It may come as a surprise that male plants can be psychoactive in nature—though much less potent than females. The plants do not produce buds, but small amounts of cannabinoids can be found in the leaves, stems, and sacs, which can be extracted to produce hash or other oils.



4. Garden Enhancement
Cannabis plants offer more benefits in the garden beyond bud production. Both male and female cannabis plants produce aromatic oils called terpenes, which are associated with pest and disease control. Since males also produce terpenes, you may consider including your males in a vegetable or flower garden (as long as they’re well separated from any female cannabis plants). Dried material from cannabis plants have also been used to produce terpene-rich oils that are applied to repel insects and pests as natural bug sprays.

Additionally, cannabis plants are deep rooting plants with long taproots. Taproots are known for their ability to dive deep into the ground and break apart low-quality soil, allowing for moisture and nutrients to infiltrate and improve the soil quality. These taproots also help keep the soil in place, thereby preventing nutrient runoff and loss of soil during heavy rains.



Humans are largely focused on female cannabis plants, and rightly so. But it’s important to acknowledge and cherish the characteristics of the male cannabis plants as well. Females may produce the buds we know and love, but by limiting diversity of the males, we could be losing out on potential benefits we do not yet understand. Specific males could have compounds we are unaware of that might play significant roles in how females develop, or how cannabis as a whole develops in the future.

If attempting to capitalize on any of the above benefits without the intent to breed, keep in mind that cannabis pollen is extremely good at traveling long distances, determined to find a female. It helps to have a solid understanding of how pollen works and travels before you embark on any of these alternative uses so as not to accidentally pollinate your own plants or a neighbor’s.

 

[roots69]

Male vs. Female Cannabis: How to Determine the Sex of Your Plant

In the world of plants, reproduction can happen in a variety of ways. Hermaphrodite plants grow single flowers that have both male and female reproductive organs. Monoecious plants produce two different types of flowers on the same plant. And then there are dioecious plants like cannabis, which produce either male or female reproductive organs.


Because cannabis grows as either a male or female plant, we can isolate the benefits of growing females with or without male interference. Introducing both males and females will result in cross-pollination and thus seeds, which is how a breeder achieves new genetics. On the other hand, removing a male from the garden allows female plants to grow large, seedless buds (called sensimilla). The resinous buds that we consume all come from female plants.



Seeded buds are generally regarded as lower-quality cannabis. When seeds are present, the smoke becomes harsh and unpleasant. However, growers may introduce male plants to pollinate females if breeding a new strain or collecting seeds for next year’s crop.

Female genetics can be guaranteed by obtaining clones and feminized seeds. If, however, you’re working with regular seeds or are unsure of your seed type, knowing how to determine the sex of your plant is vital to developing new genetics, gathering seeds, or growing sensimilla. Luckily, sexing cannabis plants is easier than one might think if you know when and where to start looking.

How to Determine the Sex of a Cannabis Plant

Female cannabis pre-flowers grow as tiny bracts with hair-like stigma peeking out. Male plants produce small, round balls at the nodes. (Amy Phung/Leafly)
Cannabis plants show their sex by what grows in between their nodes (where leaves and branches extend from the stalk). What starts as a pollen sac on a male plant or a stigma on a female will become what either spreads or catches pollen, respectively. Luckily, we can see these differences weeks before they actually start serving their purposes in the reproduction cycle. These are known as “pre-flowers.”

Pre-flowers begin to develop four weeks into growth, but they may take a little longer depending on how quickly the sprouting phase occurred. By the sixth week, you should be able to find the pre-flowers and confidently determine the sex of your plant.



Pre-flowers can initially be extremely small and hard to identify with the naked eye, but you can use a small jeweler’s magnifying glass to get a better look. Examine the nodes of the plant and look for either the early growth of small sacs (male) or two bracts (female), which will eventually produce the hair-like stigma.

Though there are other methods to determine what sex the plant is, examining pre-flower formation is the most reliable. Removing males early on is important for two reasons: it frees up space in your garden so females grow bigger and stronger, and it prevents males from pollinating females.

What Are Hermaphrodite Cannabis Plants?

Hermaphrodite cannabis can express both sex organs and self-pollenate. (Amy Phung/Leafly)
When a female plant develops both male and female sex organs, it is considered hermaphrodite. This means your cannabis plant is now capable of producing pollen that can pollinate your entire garden. “Herming out,” as some call it, is something that generally happens when a plant becomes excessively stressed. Some plant stressors include:

• Plant damage
• Bad weather
• Disease
• Nutrient deficiencies

There are two types of hermaphrodite plants:

• A plant that develops both buds and pollen sacs
• A plant that produces anthers, commonly referred to as “bananas” due to their appearance

While both result in pollen production, true hermaphrodites produce sacs that need to rupture, while anthers are exposed, pollen-producing stamen.

Because this occurs when cannabis is under stress, it’s important to monitor plants after they have been exposed to stressors. Indoors, high temperatures, or light leaks are often the cause. Outdoors, a snapped branch might be repaired and then turn into a hermaphrodite.



The other primary cause of hermaphrodite plants lies in the plant’s genetics. A plant with poor genetics or a history of hermaphrodite development should be avoided to protect your garden. If you notice any pollen sacs or anthers at any point, remove the plant from your garden immediately to prevent pollination of female plants.

If you’re interested in pollinating portions of your crop, remember that pollen is extremely potent and very good at traveling. Keep your males intended for pollination far from your garden space and work carefully with that pollen.

 

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How to Grow Organic Cannabis at Home

There are currently 15 states with medical cannabis home grow provisionsand three states (D.C. included) where adults are allowed by state law to cultivate at home recreationally, with some of these states carrying heavier qualifications than others. This list continues to grow as more cannabis enthusiasts gain access and can try finally try out their own green thumbs.






Right now, if you live in one of these places and you meet the qualifications to cultivate in your home, there are only a few resources where you can go to get in-person consulting on the matter. Hydroponics shops and seed/cloneretailers are a start, but these businesses, driven by monetary incentives, have a habit of suggesting that new growers begin by incorporating synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and non-soil grow mediums into their grow based on the fact that they all require a purchase at their facility.

Although conducive to achieving a sale, these suggestions aren’t always aimed on what is best for you, the consumer, as well as your plants. It’s important to understand that not all retailers share this modus operandi, and many shops are beginning to offer organic solutions alongside their synthetic companions. However, what you may not know is that for a fraction of the cost of a single bottle of synthetic liquid fertilizer, you can get the same, if not better yield, flavor, and cannabinoid content in your crop at home by simply using organic farming practices.

How to Grow Organic Cannabis

Getting started with organic cannabis farming is both simple and flexible as there are many ways to incorporate these methods into your home grow. Think of organic growing more in terms of a spectrum. Since there currently aren’t any regulations in the cannabis industry as to what actually qualifies as true organic farming, many interpretations do exist. As a result, this topic can be quite polarizing for industry professionals, but for home growers it simply comes down to a matter of preference.

For starters, an all naturally amended soil medium is perhaps the most important first step in creating a healthy sustainable grow. Building a clean and sustainable organic potting soil for cannabis is absolutely essential in creating a viable food web for the microorganisms that will ultimately help keep your plants stacked with readily available “organic” nutrients. Popular organic soil amendments include most types of compost, pumice, earthworm castings, kelp meal, perlite, bat guano, fish emulsion, peat moss, etc. Ingredients along these lines each serve a specific purpose and will help foster an environment for microorganisms to proliferate.





There are two ways to achieve a super soil of this caliber. The first is to build it yourself by acquiring these ingredients individually and mixing them to preference. Since this can be daunting to a novice grower, pre-mixed organic soils can also meet almost any growing condition and can be found in most hydroponic retailers that provide potting soils. Pre-mixed soils are highly recommended for first time cannabis growers because in most cases, these products require very little maintenance other than the occasional watering. This is because organic soils very rarely need pH adjustments, will produce and supply nutrients to cannabis plants without the need for additives, and are fortified with beneficial microorganisms that help deter pest damage.

Providing your cannabis with sufficient growing conditions is one of the most important steps in building a successful organic grow. This includes a proper spectrum of light, optimal temperature and humidity settings, and high ventilation and airflow. Many organic growers swear by gardening outdoors but if you’re limited to growing indoors, choosing lights with the broadest possible light spectrum and the coolest temperature output is the key. You can always offset hot lights with proper ventilation and temperature control.






With organics, the primary focus is to build the best possible environment to sustain life and provide nutrient access to your plants. This focus extends beyond the soil, so it’s best to view your entire grow as a tiny ecosystem that you must maintain in order to achieve homeostasis.

What to Feed Organic Cannabis

Feeding your organic cannabis is as easy as finding the right water to use. When growing organic, try to avoid using tap water. Municipal water supplies tend to contain fluoride and other chemicals that can and will kill beneficial bacteria in your soil (though you can always opt to pick up an organic soil amendment or supplement at your local hydroponic shop if you’re ever in a pinch).

There are a variety of wonderful organic supplements that may be added to assist in an organic grow, many of which offer a ton of benefits to the growing process. For example, incorporating the use of aerated compost teas can greatly help you in a number of ways. Compost teas reintroduce living microorganisms to the soil, in turn facilitating beneficial processes such as fighting pathogens in the soil, converting them to nutrients, and eliminating diseases.




RELATED STORY
What Are the Best Nutrients for Growing Cannabis?

Inoculating your soil with mycorrhizal fungi is another organic grow hack that can pack your soil with an extra punch. The symbiotic relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and your plants (i.e.., mycorrhizae) has the power to vastly increase both water and other nutrient intake at the roots. A sprinkle of a dry organic fertilizer containing s single-source fungi at the beginning of your grow can be the only thing you add to your soil through both the vegetative and bloom phase and your plants will thrive.

In addition to water, cannabis requires a few essential nutrients such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, manganese, etc. Synthetic nutrient supplements operate on a supply-lock basis, meaning that their job is to supply a nutrient directly to a plant until the plant locks that nutrient from further absorption. In this case, the remaining excess passes through the soil with water drain off. Organic soils, on the other hand, do not require nutrient supplements because they are comprised of ingredients that inherently contain these valuable minerals and molecules. Uptake in these cases is contingent solely on the plant’s needs and doesn’t require extra attention (or money) from the grower.

Controlling Pests on Organic Cannabis

Organic pest control is easier than you think. There are a handful of natural pest management remedies in circulation that work wonders for controlling both indoor and outdoor gardens and don’t require the use of harmful systemic synthetics. Companion planting, the practice of pairing certain varieties of flora to naturally deter pests, is a fantastic first step for outdoor growers. Try using basil or dill in your garden for gnats, or marigolds for aphids. A quick search will land you with a ton of beneficial pairing for your garden plants; just switch out your control group plant with cannabis and you’re good to go.

Other biological remedies such as bacillus thuringiensis, also known as BT or Mosquito Bits, and diatomaceous earth (DE) can help do wonders as an effective foliar agent to be used against pests.






Synthetic nutrients and pesticides both have a tendency to leave soils pretty beat up and saturated with salts and chemicals towards the end of a grow, mandating pretty serious flushing to prepare your crop for consumption. In many cases, these soils must be remixed and tilled or tossed before the next season. As organic soils are actually living entities, they do not require tilling to prepare for a new crop. By simply removing the root ball and adding a bit of dry mycorrhizal fungi to the soil, you’re ready to go for a new round. No-till gardening is emerging as a standard in most organic cannabis farming practices, not just for its obvious sustainability purposes, but for the benefit that organic soils that have been strengthened over a long period of time can offer.

Before you head into your local hydroponics shop and grab that bottle of “ Barry’s Synthetic Bud Ripening Super Juice” that’s packed full of salts and chemicals for your plants, consider going organic in your next home grow. Not only will your soil absolutely love the TLC, but your colas will, too. Organic cannabis farming can be cheap, simple, and far healthier and sustainable than using manufactured chemicals and synthetic additives in your grow. Whether you choose to incorporate one or all of these organic techniques into your grow, your cannabis will not regret it and neither will you!

 

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Odor Control Tips for Your Indoor Cannabis Grow Room

As much fun as starting your indoor cannabis garden can be, having a home perpetually filled with the smell of fresh flowers can be a serious inconvenience, if not to you than perhaps your neighbors. Although smells from a micro-sized, one plant closet garden is much easier to manage than a larger grow tent holding several flowering plants, either scenario can produce pesky odors that will permeate an entire home if left unattended.


Fortunately, there are a range of techniques that can be implemented to mitigate this odiferous opportunity which can be implemented in any sized indoor grow. If used in combination with one another, many of these techniques are capable of completely removing all odors in a cannabis grown room, leaving you to propagate worry-free.

Check Your Temperature and Humidity Levels

The first step in proper odor management is to make sure that your grow space’s temperature and relative humidity are under control. High temperature and humidity will perpetuate any odor issues that your garden may encounter, though this will most affect your garden in the bloom phase.

Plants that are in their vegetative phase maintain a very low odor as the plants have not yet begun to produce terpenes, the molecules responsible for a cannabis plant’s aromatic properties. As cannabis transitions to its bloom phase and begins to produce flowering nodes, trichomes will develop. Being the molecule factories that they are, trichomes begin to produce these aromatic compounds in abundance.



As your plants continue to grow and transition, temperature and humidity become increasingly vital to manage in order to keep odors under control. Some ways to immediately tackle these issues include outfitting your grow space with dehumidifiers and air conditioners. Although these options will greatly benefit a closed space, moving heat and humidity out of a room may be the better place to start.

Make Sure Air is Circulating Through Your Garden

Proper air circulation is at the center of maintaining temperature and humidity control. All grow lights produce heat in varying quantities. Smaller grow systems utilizing cooler lights such as compact fluorescents or LEDs may have an easier time suppressing heat than hotter systems like high intensity discharge (HIDs) or ceramic metal halides, but both will fry your garden with dangerously high temperatures if there isn’t adequate ventilation and circulation.

Ideally, air needs to move through a garden every few minutes during vegetative phases and every minute during bloom phases. Not only does air circulation help keep temperatures and odors low, it will recycle used CO2 out of your grow space. The easiest solution to air circulation is to outfit your garden with fans. Standing fans, oscillating fans, as well as ducted intake and exhaust fans will all do wonders in and of themselves, but when combined, they can move air through your garden in a matter of seconds, taking odors out with them.



When you’re looking to outfit your garden for the right sized fan, look for a CFM rating. This will give you an indicator as to how much cubic feet your fan is capable of moving through a space in a minute (you’ll need a cubic foot/meter measurement of your grow space for this).

Odor Absorbing Gels May Help

Odor becomes much more difficult to manage in the final six weeks of a cannabis plant’s lifecycle. This is the stage where trichomes are producing their highest concentration of terpenes, and your garden is certainly going to try to show them off to you (and perhaps to your neighbors). Air circulation and ventilation aside, there comes a time when all of the air in your living space will contain traces of your garden’s fresh floral smell.

At this point, you may want to consider more rigorous odor management practices such as odor absorbing gels. These products work by attaching to odors and replacing them with other, more appealing scents. Keep in mind that odor gels do not eliminate odors, but simply mask them. Odor eliminating sprays help a bunch as well, but they operate under the same principle, not actually removing odors, but simply making them more pleasant.

Try Activated Carbon Filters

If you want to destroy 90% of the odors in your garden on contact, you’ll want an activated carbon filter. Also known as “carbon scrubbers” for their ability to literally scrub contaminants out of the air, these devices employ activated and highly ionized carbon to attract particulates from the air. Dust, hair, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds responsible for carrying odors are all trapped either in a pre-filter or by the ionized carbon molecules inside of the filter’s main cylinder.

Filters in a flowering garden can serve one of two purposes. With CO2 supplemented air or in rooms very high in CO2, filters can be placed on the floor to recycle scrubbed air back into your space. However, most rooms utilize carbon filters with an exhaust, a great way to not only redistribute heat, but stale, depleted air as well.



Carbon filters come in different shapes and sizes and can be complemented by the addition of a duct fan. This will either serve to circulate contaminated air though your filter or to exhaust clean air out from your filter with the assistance of some ducting. Not all carbon filters are created equal, so be sure to purchase a reputable model. Filters come in various shapes as well, so outfitting a model that fits your space is key.

Like fans, carbon filters are also characterized by CFM rating. In many cases, the CFM rating and ducting diameter of your fan and filter will coincide. Most of the time, carbon filters are at their peak productivity when positioned at the highest point in your grow space. This is where the most heat will accumulate.



A temperature controlled, fully ventilated space outfitted with several fans and a carbon filter exhaust is capable of removing nearly 100% of the odors in your grow space. What this setup cannot eliminate on its own can be easily supplemented with an odor eliminating spray or gel. Furthermore, carbon scrubbed environments can bring the airborne bacterial counts in your space from a whopping 10,000 parts per million (ppm) all the way down to as low as 30ppm. Your local hardware store and/or hydroponic supplier should have everything you need to implement a similar system into your own garden.

Remember to always be courteous when growing indoor cannabis and understand that the odors associated with this hobby are not equally pleasing to everyone. Employing any one or combination of these systems will not cost you too much out of pocket, and the investment at the end of the day should pay itself over in the silence of your unhindered friends, family, and neighbors.

 

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Differences in Growing Sativa, Indica and Hybrid Cannabis

A primary joy that comes from growing cannabis yourself is that you get to pick the genetics that interest you. However, not all strains are created equal and depending on the genetics, the plant you want to grow could be a poor choice for your garden. Indicas, sativas, and the many hybrid strains in between all grow differently, take varying times to flower, and produce a different end product.

We’ve already covered the main differences in cannabis types, so what’s there to know about growing each?

Growing Indica Cannabis Strains

Traits of a typical indica cannabis plant:

• Shorter flowering time
• High yields
• Effects: Sedating, relaxing
• Symptom Relief: Anxiety, insomnia, pain, muscle spasms
• Morphology: Short, bushy, broader leaves

Because of indica’s shorter flowering periods and higher yields, they have always been popular amongst growers. Shorter flowering periods mean plants mature and finish growing sooner than sativa strains. This allows outdoor gardens to exist in climates where fall turns to winter quickly. For indoor gardeners, this means more cycles annually. The higher yields also incentivize growers to work with indicas to increase profit margins. Additionally, a benefit of growing indicas is their short stature which is ideal for most gardens indoors and out where space is limited and direct sunlight is a top priority.





Growing Sativa Cannabis Strains

Closeup of Marijuana plant
Traits of a typical sativa cannabis plant:

• Longer flowering time
• Low yields
• Effects: Uplifting, creative, cerebral
• Symptom Relief: Depression, ADD/ADHD, fatigue, mood disorders
• Morphology: Tall, lanky, thin leaves

Sativa genetics come from near the equator, where the summers are long and the winters are mild. Sativas grow long, lanky, and take their time to finish. Generally, they are not a first pick for gardeners as their height is difficult indoors while their lower yields make for a reduced profit. However, if you are more interested growing as a connoisseur you might take great pleasure from exploring the sativa strains and the varying effects.





Sativas do offer some good qualities when it comes to growing. The period of time it takes for a sativa to complete its flower cycle can be offset by faster vegetative growth. Additionally, some purebred sativas have been developed to have faster flowering times and increased yields. Coming from the equator, sativa strains handle heat better than most indicas, which is good for indoor gardens where temperature control is difficult or costly in the summer months.

Growing Hybrid Cannabis Strains

Traits of hybrid cannabis plants:

• Flowering time varies
• Many are high-yielding
• Effects: Blend of sativa and indica traits
• Symptom Relief: Varies based on genetics
• Morphology: wide range of growth patterns

Hybrids blend the best of both worlds of the cannabis plant. Most cannabis these days tends to be a hybrid mix of different indica and sativa strains. More often than not, they lean toward one side of the spectrum with either indica- or sativa-dominant traits.





Hybrids may inherit the shorter flowering time of indicas while retaining the cerebral high offered by sativas. They can also have the quality yields of indicas while taking on the fast vegetative growth of a sativa. Because hybrids can blend attributes of each, it’s no wonder they make up most of the market.

 

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GROWING
7 Ways Growers Can Increase Terpene Levels in Cannabis
TREVOR HENNINGS

(Steven Senne/AP)
Terpenes—the aromatic compounds that give cannabis different scents—have quickly become a discussion centerpiece among growers, budtenders, and consumers alike. Produced in secretory cells found in the plant’s trichomes, terpenes are found amongst cannabinoids and other oils produced by the plant. These terpenes have been shown to work directly with THC and other cannabinoids to influence and enhance the effects of different strains. Not only that, it’s common for consumers to make a purchasing decision based on how good a strain smells to them.


Follow Your Nose to the Nearest Dispensary
As we learn more about their ability to enrich cannabis’ effects and benefits, many cultivators wonder how to best capture these delicate and fragrant terpenes for an even more flavorful harvest. Here, we’ll take a look at a few primary ways to increase the terpene production in your plants.

Choose High-Quality Genetics
Not all strains are created equal. The best growers in the world can’t make ditch weed look like Super Silver Haze! If you want a high-quality and fragrant strain, don’t skimp when it comes to buying seeds or clones.



Grow Your Cannabis in Soil
Whether you’re growing indoors or outside, raising cannabis in quality soil is known to produce a more flavorful product. Many associate this with the complex nutrient profiles that can be found in soils. Just like growing wine, food, or farming livestock, cannabis grown in specific soils in specific regionscan take on unique flavors.

Light Exposure
When growing flavorful cannabis, having good sun or light exposure is essential. If growing outdoors, make sure there is space between plants so that every cola is receiving as much lights as possible. Indoors, provide lights that offer a healthy range of spectrum.

Low Stress Training (LST)
A little bit of stress can go a long way in the production of trichomes and thus terpenes. There are numerous low stress training (LST) methods—as well as other more intensive methods—that can help you get smellier buds.

Training your plant by tying branches down or pruning lower branchesduring flowering will help direct energy to other flowers to produce more trichomes. You can also remove fan leaves around buds or expose your plants to colder nighttime temperatures.

As with any sort of training, you’ll need to pay close attention to the needs of your plants. If the process becomes too much for your plants, you may see diminished yields and quality.

Flush Your Cannabis Plants
Two weeks before harvesting, you should stop feeding your plants. Nutrients build up in the buds and overpower the beautiful, natural flavors they produce. By giving your plants a pure water source, all excess nutrients will slowly be washed out and leave you with a clean, aromatic end product.



Harvest Time
Leaving your plants up for too long will result in trichomes breaking down, altering their chemical contents. Using a magnifying glass, you can observe the color and shape of trichomes which will help you determine when your cannabis is ready for harvest. Take a look at Leafly’s guide to harvestingcannabis to learn more.

Handle the Buds Carefully
Trichomes are fragile, and every time you handle a bud, you may be destroying some of these delicate trichomes. Prevent this by handling the buds gently and limiting how often buds are moved. Encourage trimmers to be gentle and hold onto a stem if possible.

Curing Cannabis
Curing—or the slow process of drying your buds—is one of the most important ways to preserve and celebrate the terpenes of your most recent harvest. Keep temperatures low, lights off, and humidity consistently around 45-55%. With a proper cure, the chemical make up in the buds will change making your smoke tastier and more enjoyable.

 

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6 Ways to Enjoy Cannabis Without Having to Smoke It
BAILEY RAHN
March 23, 2015

Think back to the first time you smoked cannabis. You probably recall the burning throat, the uncoordinated attempts to use a carb, the inability to gauge how long to pull the smoke… Ah yes, those were the days. But the memories of yesteryear for you veterans are very alive and real for those just now jumping on the cannabis bandwagon.




Not everyone likes to smoke, and those with compromised lung health may not even have the option. The stigmatized image of smoking might be the only thing stopping some people from trying cannabis, even if they live in a state with legal marijuana (maybe you can see your mom taking a bong rip, but I sure can’t).

Even though there are a number of different ways you can consume cannabis that have evolved over the years, you may be looking for a more health-conscious option. Here are some suggestions for a smoke-free cannabis experience.

1. Vaporizing

You don’t need to torch your cannabis with a lighter to reap its benefits; actually, its chemical compounds vaporize at a much lower, less harmful temperature. The taste of vaporized cannabis is often preferred to that of combusted flower, and the vapor is much easier on the lungs. Larger table-top vaporizers can offer high-quality vapor with advanced temperature settings, while small hand-held devices let you enjoy cannabis flower or oils wherever you go. These days there are many affordable vaporizers to choose from if you’re interested in trying out this smokeless form of cannabis consumption.




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Which Type of Vaporizer Best Suits You?

2. Edibles

One of the more obvious alternatives to smoking is cannabis-infused food and drink. The diversity of marijuana edibles is quickly and vastly expanding, so much so that you can infuse virtually anything that calls for butter or oil. You can make your own at home (it’s surprisingly easy, but be cautious with dosing), but dispensaries and retail shops often have a staggering number of options, from infused lemonade to roasted garlic crackers. You’ve probably heard it already, but it must be said: start with a low dose and be patient. Because of the digestive process, edibles take much longer to kick in and can have intensely psychoactive effects.




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5 Tips to Safely Dose and Enjoy High-THC Cannabis Edibles

3. Ingestible Oils

Ingestible oils are basically any cannabis concentrate that is taken orally. These most commonly come in capsules or plastic applicators, either of which can be consumed directly or added to food or drink. Like edibles, ingestible oils can induce powerful effects that take a while to kick in, so be mindful of your dose!




RELATED STORY
Explore the Diverse World of Cannabis Oil and Concentrates

4. Tinctures

Tinctures are infused liquids that extract cannabis compounds using an alcohol soak and are applied directly under the tongue. Unlike ingestible oils and infused foods, tinctures enter the bloodstream immediately, allowing for fast-acting effects and better dose control. A variety of flavors, potencies, and cannabinoid profiles are often available, catering to your specific preferences or medical needs.




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Cannabis Tinctures 101: What Are They, How to Make Them, and How to Use Them

5. Topicals

Topicals are cannabis-infused lotions and balms that are applied directly to the skin for localized relief of pain, soreness, and inflammation. One unique property of cannabis topicals is their ability to treat symptoms without psychoactive effects, so if you need to be clear-headed and bypass that euphoric high altogether, topicals are the way to go.




RELATED STORY
What Are Cannabis Topicals and How Do They Work?

6. Dabbing

Dabbing is a method of flash-vaporization in which cannabis concentrates are dropped on a heated water-pipe attachment and inhaled for intensely potent effects. The attachment is a glass or metallic nail that’s heated up using a butane torch – and if that sounds sketchy to you, the public eye wouldn’t disagree. But dabbing enthusiasts typically elect this method because (a) properly refined concentrates offer a clean experience free of plant material, and (b) dabbing produces a vapor as opposed to smoke. It may not be the option you suggest to a first-time cannabis consumer, but it’s certainly an option for graduates.




RELATED STORY
What Is Dabbing and How Do Dabs Work?

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with all the options out there, use our location finder to pick up the materials you need to try the smoke-free consumption method of your choice!

 

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Grow your own marijuana: A FAQ on getting started


Once you’ve exhausted the jokes about green thumbs, red eyes and the hilarity of growing weed instead of blooms, the questions remain about how to go about growing your own marijuana, if you want to.

Amendment 64 allows home cultivation of marijuana, up to six plants per adult. (Denver’s rules allow a household of two or more adults to cultivate a total of a dozen cannabis plants.) That’s going to appeal to those partakers who are old enough to be leery about openly buying a substance that still remains, on the federal level, strictly illegal.

And it’s going to appeal to many who live in a Colorado town or county that doesn’t allow retail stores — and there are quite a few of those, especially on the Eastern Plains. Even within the county of Denver, the retail marijuana scene is a confusing patchwork: Legal in Glendale, but not in Englewood, but legal in Denver.

Even in jurisdictions that don’t allow retail marijuana shops, it’s legal to grow your own on your own property, within the specifications of Amendment 64.

But for home growers, there’s been the problem of where to acquire seeds or cuttings. Unless they received it as a gift, they couldn’t obtain cannabis plant material without risking a step on the wrong side of the law. That changes on Jan. 1 when retail marijuana shops will open and can legally sell plants and seed.

Still, it’s not like home growers can call a Colorado State University extension agent for growing advice; those experts are prohibited from answering anyquestions related to marijuana. Even though Amendment 64 specifically allows advice on growing marijuana, greenhouse and nursery staff often shy away from the subject.

“It’s crazy,” said Sharon Harris, executive director of the Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association.

“We started getting those calls when the bill first passed for medical marijuana, and our attorney advised us not to talk about it. It’s legal in Colorado, but still a federal offense. We’re waiting to see how the legal retail sales work out, but our position will not change until the U.S. attorney general says, ‘OK, here’s the deal.’ It’s quite a quagmire.”

So don’t expect help from the usual horticultural resources. Instead, look at hydroponic indoor gardening retail outlets, and start-ups like Cannabis University, which offers a $250 one-day class in possessing and growing marijuana.

Be advised: Under the law, growing your own marijuana requires keeping your plants in an “enclosed, locked space” that is not open or public. That’s pretty broadly-written, but a safe interpretation would mean a basement room or closet that can be locked.

No more than three of your plants can be in the flowering stage at one time. And it remains illegal to sell marijuana you grow.

To answer basic questions for novice pot-growers (potters?), we interviewedGeorge Archambault, owner of MileHydro; Ben Holmes of Centennial Seeds; and Michelle LaMay of Cannabis University.

Q: What will I need to start growing weed?

Holmes: The basics are one container per plant; potting soil; fertilizer; a good-quality grow light; and seeds.

Archambault: Ideally, you’ll have a controlled environment, with fresh air coming in through a ventilation system and exhaust air going out the opposite end of the room, because plants don’t do well in stagnant air. If you use a controlled environment like a tent or cabinet, you’ll want a thermostat to make sure the room stays at the same temperature instead of getting too hot.

LaMay: A grow light with a vegging bulb and flowering bulb, a controlled environment, like a room or a tent; nutrient supplements; an outside air source; a carbon filter; a thermometer; an oscillating fan to move the air about; a can fan to pull air out through the carbon filter; timers; a PH tester for the water; a five-gallon water container; pots; growing medium; tarps for the floor, even with a grow tent; and only highest-quality extension cords, if you must use extension cords at all.

Q: So what’ll that cost?

Holmes: For a very basic set-up, around $500. Figure $20 for the containers, $40 or so for the soil, another $40 for the fertilizer and nutrients, $300 for a decent grow light, another $100 for a vegging bulb and a flowering bulb. Figure on spending $5 to $10 per seed, but prices vary widely. Some seeds cost $1,000 apiece.

Archambault: Five hundred is cutting a lot of corners. I’d say more like $1,000.

Q: Does it make more sense to try to grow hydroponically?

Archambault: I don’t advise new growers to start right in with hydroponics. That means spending at least $1,000 on equipment, and that’s a lot for a beginner. And you’re out all that money if you’re not successful.

Q: How much space would a $500 dirt set-up require?

Holmes: That’d be for a 4-by-4-foot area, so you’ll need only one grow light, plus one grow light with a white-blue vegging light bulb and an orange-redflowering light bulb.

Q: What’s a “vegging light bulb”?

Holmes: In indoor gardens, you mimic the spring and summer growing period with a light that’s on the white/blue spectrum. In the vegging state, you’re encouraging the plant to produce leaves, with a goal of growing the plant to half the size you want it to be when you harvest it. The rule of thumb is giving the plant 18 hours of light in the vegging (short for vegetative growth) stage. So if you want a 3-foot-tall plant at the harvest stage, you want to veg it until the plant is a foot and a half tall.

Q: Then what?

Holmes: When it reaches half the size you want it to be, then you have to trick it into flowering by making the plant think it’s fall. The flower is what people want from a marijuana plant, because you harvest the flower buds. So then you switch to the orange-red light bulb. That makes the plant think it’s fall, and it will induce flowering. During the flowering stage, you’ll want to give it 12 hours of light on, and rest it in the dark for 12 hours.

Q: That sounds like a ton of work. Is it easier to start with cuttings?

LaMay: Cuttings are easily accessible from friends or the medical marijuana dispensary or, soon, the retail store. They are about $10 each. They must be quarantined and doused aggressively with organic neem oil over 20 days.

Archambault: Start from seeds. I’ve never met anyone who bought a clone from a dispensary that wasn’t infested with spider mites or powdery mildew. It’s an indoor growing issue. The worst thing you can do is buy a plant that has a lot of insects.

Holmes: No! Start with seeds. We urge people not to buy cuttings, and my dispensary clients will hate me for saying that, but the worst thing you can do is buy their cuttings because they’re infested.

Q: Where can I buy seeds?

Archambault: After Jan.1, 2014, you can buy cannabis seeds in Colorado without a medical marijuana card. Seeds, and cuttings, will be sold at state-licensed marijuana retail stores. But remember, you can’t tell whether a seed is male or female. You have to wait until it germinates. It takes about a month to see the telltale signs of the first budding flowers. The males only grow leaves.

Q: Why does it matter whether the seed is male or female?

Holmes: Only the female seeds produce flowers, which is the crop you want. Some companies sell what they call “feminized seeds” that have a higher probability of being female. But regularly-bred seeds is what we recommend.

Q: Is growing marijuana comparable to starting tomatoes or other garden plants?

Holmes: Yes, it’s like growing a tomato. Marijuana is a plant that’s very sensitive to over-feeding. You need to lime the soil, because they don’t like acid soil. And I just use Miracle-Gro. I use that on everything. If you ate my tomatoes or zucchini, or smoked my weed, you’d come back for more. You don’t need to buy a lot of supplements and amendments and products. You need a bucket of dirt and a well-thought-out fertilizer plan, not 20 different fertilizers and nutrients. The best thing is to keep it simple.

Q: I have relatives who live in states that haven’t legalized marijuana. Will they be able to tell I’m growing it?

Archambault: Well, the plants are still going to release that telltale aroma. Hydroponic stores sell odor mitigation systems. Carbon filters are the most effective. If your grow system is in a basement room that nobody uses, maybe they won’t notice.

Q: What about pets?

Holmes: Cats will be kind of curious. Pets are disease-carriers, and your pet could infect your plants. Make your grow room off-limits to your pets.

 

[roots69]

Does Nevada Grow the Best Cannabis in the Nation?

(Robert Kachelriess for Leafly)
Chris Vickers worked at an Arizona dispensary for about five years before moving to Las Vegas. Once he arrived, something was immediately obvious: the weed was a lot better.


“I think Nevada is doing a great job as far as quality goes,” says Vickers, now general manager of The+Source, a dispensary with locations in both Vegas and Henderson. “One thing that’s uniquely different is the testing requirements compared to a lot of other states.”

Find Dispensaries Nearby
If Nevada doesn’t have the best cannabis in the country, it’s up there. “Right now, I’d group Nevada and Massachusetts at the top with California a close second and Oregon behind that,” says Lori Glauser, co-founder and director of EVIO Labs, a company that conducts cannabis testing in the U.S. and Canada.

As legalized cannabis becomes more commonplace throughout the country, most states are following similar guidelines for potency, pesticides and potentially harmful chemicals like residual solvents. But in Nevada, a lot of small things are adding up to help the Silver State stand out in a country increasingly more likely to light up.

(Courtesy of The+Source)
“The testing is more rigorous,” says Glauser. “For example, Nevada requires pretty much everything California requires, but the batch sizes are smaller. In California, we only have to test one sample for every 50 pounds of flower and in Nevada, it’s a much smaller amount.”

The typical buyer tends to focus on THC and CBD percentages, but Nevada also tests for e coli, salmonella, and aspergillus as well as heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. In addition, terpene content is analyzed, which carries value beyond flavor and aroma.

“There is a body of literature and understanding that those flavor components can have medicinal benefits,” adds Glauser. “In certain profiles like limonene or linalool — citrus flavors versus lavender flavors — one might be more energetic while one might be more sedative.”

“Some of these compounds are believed to have benefits at the molecular level,” adds Dr. Kevin Marchitto, lab director for MM Labs. “Cannabis has over 200 terpenes and probably about a dozen of them have been studied by clinicians. There’s still a large amount of anecdotal evidence that these have medicinal benefits for anxiety, pain, or depression.”

MM Labs is one of 10 labs currently licensed by Nevada — four in Las Vegas, four in unincorporated Clark County, and two in Sparks — to test cannabis before it can be legally sold. The state has strict regulations on not only the products themselves, but the labs who actually do the testings.

“There’s an annual inspection, but there are surprise inspections every now and then,” says Dr. Marchitto. “They’re looking at microbiology tests, for example, to make sure they’re able to pick up and identify any organisms that might be contaminating marijuana.”


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A laboratory represents a significant investment, not just on the license itself but also the equipment. “Many of our instrumentation pieces run from $50,000 to 150,000,” adds Dr. Matchitto. “It’s a very costly endeavor. A specialized laboratory has exhaust, temperature, and humidity controls — all of that is very tightly regulated.”

Nevada labs also follow something called GLP or “good laboratory practice,” which is recognized as a very high set of standards for clinical or pharmaceutical science. By the end of the year, labs in the state will be compliant with an even stricter designation (ISO/IEC 17025) by the International Standards Organization.

See Dispensaries Near You
The latest numbers show Nevada collected $7.11 million in taxes off $43.74 million in recreational sales in May alone. As more dispensaries open and demand for cannabis increases, so will the demand for quality labs. More licenses will be offered as increased tax revenue comes in, making labs more competitive with one another.

“Cultivators like to have their testing done within five days of submitting a sample,” says Dr. Matcitto. “In other states where there haven’t been enough licenses issued, like Oregon, they can take two or three weeks and sometimes longer. That’s very frustrating for the cultivator because they have all their money tied up on the shelf.”

Nevada is very progressive when it comes to cannabis. ... In many ways, it's leading the country and showing the country how a regulated cannabis industry can work. So obviously, for all those reason, we wanted to be here.
Daniel Yi, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications for MedMen
Nevada’s testing requirements aren’t unique when counted individually. But add them all up, and it’s hard to find a more comprehensive scope of standards. MM Labs has even begun experimenting with flavonoid testing, although it’s not required by the state — at least not yet.

“Nevada is very progressive when it comes to cannabis,” says Daniel Yi, senior vice president of corporate communications for MedMen. “In many ways, it’s leading the country and showing the country how a regulated cannabis industry can work. So obviously, for all those reason, we wanted to be here.”

MedMen had dispensaries in California and New York before opening its first Nevada locations, including one Downtown, a pop-up in North Las Vegas, and another on the way near the airport. The company is looking at Florida next. Yi says for the industry to succeed, testing has to be consistent across the board — and Nevada’s regulations reflect that philosophy.

(Courtesy of Medmen)
“It’s the same cannabis,” he points out. “Whether you’re using it to treat chronic pain and anxiety or relax with your friends at a family barbecue, it’s the same plant.”

“I’ve only seen an increase in the quality in Nevada.” adds Chris Vickers of The+Source. “As more licenses have been granted, I think there’s been more of a demand for higher terpene profiles in the flower, which has driven a lot of people to find more quality strains and find more quality product.”

Five Cannabis Producers You Must Try in Nevada
So what’s the best home-grown cannabis to sample the next time you’re in Vegas, Reno, or any other part of the Silver State? Here are a few suggestions.

Kynd
Kynd likes to emphasize its variety of products, whether you want to sink into the couch with a heavy high or take on the great outdoors — just ask the in-house “athlete team” that includes a long distance runner and pro-level mountain bike rider. If you want to skip the butane, Kynd has earned raves for its CO2 Sap, critically extracted with a full spectrum of cannabinoids. The Matanuska Thunder Fuck (MTF) is a top-selling fan favorite, with a delicate floral taste and an undertone of earthiness mixed with a euphoric sense of purpose to begin a productive day.

Cannavative
When Nevada first allowed dispensaries for medical use, Cannavative did a nice job of putting together a CBD-focused line, where even some flower had minimal THC — and sometimes none at all. The company was also one of the first to have flower with CDB over 10 percent. Check out the Motivator, an infused preroll with 40 percent THC that’s proven to be a big seller. However, Cannavative has a well-rounded line with something for everyone. Products are stocked in at least 60 dispensaries throughout the state.

Matrix
Matrix has done a great job of providing high quality flower and an exotic selection that stays true to high THC percentages and hearty terpene profiles. Top strains include the ever-popular Gorilla Glue #4 and Sugar Tits, an in-house indica dominant hybrid that is nearly as sweet as the name suggests. Overall, Matrix has become a favorite in Las Vegas with repeat buyers saying the concentrates are just as good as the flower.

8 Fold
The+Source is more than just a dispensary. It cultivates its own flower under the 8 Fold brand, which can also be utilized for cartridges, pens and disposables. Prismatic is a new product line that focuses on terpene and cannabinoid levels, rather than high THC percentages. The disposable pens are popular for tourists who aren’t allowed to smoke in Vegas hotel rooms. With terpene levels above 10 milligrams and THC generally kept under 60 percent, you’re going to get more flavor and feel — and less of a heavy, cloudy high.

Deep Roots Harvest
Deep Roots Harvest is about 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas. It’s the only dispensary and grow operation in the small town of Mesquite and the closest one to Utah. Despite its relatively remote location, Deep Roots Harvest has products available in dispensaries throughout the state and is perhaps best known for Segerblom Haze, a strain named after pro-marijuana State Senator Tick Segerblom. Despite the gimmick-factor of the name, the flower is nice and mellow — not super pungent — with a sweet aroma and flavor.

Cannabiotix (Honorable Mention)
It’s hard to leave out Cannabiotix — a company that got its start in California, but expanded operations to Nevada. Featuring a very distinct selection of sticky fresh strains with dense buds, Cannabiotix has great THC and terpene profiles, making it one of the best anywhere in the state.

 

[roots69]

How to Clone Cannabis Plants

Did you know that you can clone cannabis plants? It sounds like some sort of sci-fi mad scientist experiment, but there are benefits to cloning a plant vs. growing from a seed, and cloning cannabis plants are easier than you think.




What Is Cloning and Why Would You Want to Clone a Cannabis Plant?

There are two ways that you can go about breeding cannabis. The first is through sexual reproduction, where you cross a male plant with a female through pollination in order to create seeds. Those seeds can then be planted to create genetic hybrids of the two parent plants.




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Cannabis Seeds 101: All You Need to Know and More

The second method is through cloning, otherwise known as asexual reproduction. Clones are rooted cuttings that are genetically identical to the plant they were taken from. There are many benefits to cloning that contribute to its popularity among both commercial and home growers. If executed properly, not only can cloning your cannabis be cost-saving, it has the potential to offer your garden a whole new level of stability and sustainability.

Through cloning, you can create a new harvest with exact replicas of your best performing plants. Because the genetics are identical, you’re getting a plant with the same characteristics, so if you come across a bud you really, really like, you might want to clone the plant it came from so you can produce more buds with the same effects. Consider taking clones from your garden if you are looking to select and replicate plants with desirable features such as flavor, cannabinoid profile, yield, grow time, etc.




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Cannabinoids 101: What Makes Cannabis Medicine?

Not only does cloning save you time and money by not having to pop new seeds, you’re also ensuring that your crop will be genetically indistinguishable. Moreover, cloning is the answer to self-sufficiency in your garden. Given the right conditions, you could perpetuate a phenotype for as many harvests as you desire, without having to start new seeds.

Cloning Cannabis Plants From Your Garden

Getting started with cloning in your garden is relatively easy and requires just a few key items:

• A razor for taking cuttings (try not to use scissors when taking cuttings as they tend to crush branches, making rooting much harder)
• Some water
• A rooting medium
• A rooting hormone

When selecting mothers to clone, look for plants that are healthy, sturdy, and about two months into the vegetative cycle. If you cant or don’t want to wait, give it at least three weeks before taking your first cutting — at this point in a plant’s growth phase, your new cuttings will have a stronger chance of rooting.




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Preparing your mother plants for cutting will require a few steps:

• Make sure you withhold from fertilizing your plant within the days leading up to taking your cuttings. This will allow the nitrogen to work its way out of the leaves of your plant. When you take cuttings, an excess of nitrogen in the leaves and stems will trick your clones into attempting to grow vegetation instead of diverting energy to rooting.
• Work in a sterile environment. Do everything you can to avoid over-agitation of both your mother plants and new cuttings.
• Look for lower branches that are sturdy and healthy. If you are transplanting into rockwool, match the stem with the rooting hole of your cubes to get a proper fit. Otherwise, look to take cuttings between 8-10 inches with several nodes present.
• Cut as close to the main stem as possible with your razor at a 45 degree angle to the branch. This will increase the surface area of your rooting space, promoting faster growth.
• Place your fresh cutting immediately into water to prevent air bubbles from forming in the stem. Bubbles will prevent water from absorbing into your stem and can kill a new clone. Many growers choose to make additional incisions in the stem before this step, arguing that it helps increase rooting potential. Take this time to do that before transferring your cuttings to water.

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After you have taken several cuttings and transferred them to water, it’s time to clip their leaves to help support proper photosynthesis and create a more sanitary environment for rooting to occur. Clip your fan leaves about halfway down the stem using scissors. You may also cull any unnecessary leaves towards the bottom so you won’t have any of your leaves touching the growing medium. Manicuring like this will not only help your clones with nutrient and water uptake, but will prevent leaves from touching one another.

At this point, you may wish to dip your fresh stems in a rooting hormone. Rooting gels, powders, and other hormones can provide additional support to promote healthy growth. There are a variety on the market, and many of them work very well, though make sure you do your proper research before choosing. After a quick dip in some hormone, transfer your clones to your final rooting medium.

Choosing a Rooting Medium

When it comes to rooting mediums, there are three predominant schools of thought:

1. Use rockwool cubes or a non-soil equivalent. Rockwell provides a great environment for clone rooting due to its terrific airflow and moisture retention. You can find these cubes at most any grow store or online.
2. Transport your clone into soil. When using soil, don’t choose one with an abundance of nutrients, and make sure you don’t over or underwater your soil when attempting to root your clones.
3. Root in water. Water cloning requires no use of rooting hormones or mediums. You just drop your cutting in water and keep it there until roots and new growth begin to develop.

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Each of these schools of thought has its pros and cons. Experiment to see what method works best for your grow setting. Regardless, make sure that your new clones get plenty of humidity and light, preferably 18 hours.

To circumvent much of the work associated with feeding and caring for clones, many choose to opt for auto-cloners. These automated units take much of the work out of by consistently providing water, oxygen, and light to your clones. The downside is that they can be costly.

Transplanting Your Roots

You will know when your roots are ready to be transplanted when you start to see new vegetative growth on your clones. At this point, you may need to consider transplanting your clones to larger containers. This process will require the same care and sanitation that cloning consisted of, as you do not want to further agitate a plant into transplant shock. Transplant shock is common when cloning, so make sure you take the time to stay sanitary and do not overexert your plants during the process.




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Facilitating a successful cloning regiment can do wonders for you cannabis garden by saving you time and money and ensuring a consistent crop. You don’t need much to get started, and if done correctly, you can ensure an indefinite perpetual harvest that will produce the most desirable plants for you year-round.

 

[roots69]

How to Safely Introduce Clones Into Your Garden

How to Safely Introduce Cannabis Clones Into Your Garden
Clones can be an easy and efficient way to introduce new genetics into your garden. Whether you’re looking for a proven strain to deliver consistent flavor and yield or are hunting for a cut of some rare “clone-only” phenotype, bringing home a clone can solve a number of problems. But clones can also create problems as well. Often described as silent killers, tainted clones can bring your whole grow to a screeching halt if left unattended.

What makes a clone so potentially dangerous, and what can a grower do to help prevent introducing bad clones into their space? Here are three helpful tips to safely bring home clones into your garden.

1. Find a Reputable Source

(Flickr/Harborside Health Clinic Overview)
The most crucial step in finding clean clones is to choose a reputable source. However, determining the actual source of your clone may be difficult. Depending on where you live, you’ll be able to find clones at either your local dispensary or a nursery. Many times, clones from these facilities are taken from in-house cultivars, but there will also be cases where cuttings have been acquired from a third party source. When purchasing clones for your home garden, always ask your purveyor where the strains came from. If you can’t get a legitimate answer, try finding another source.


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It’s important to know the origin of your clones because this will be where your problems, if any, originate. Diseases, pests, incorrectly labeled genetics, and unknown systemic pesticide residues are among the handful of issues a mystery clone may carry. Knowing reputable vendors is the easiest way to help prevent one of these issues from potentially reaching your grow. Never hesitate to research the dispensaries and grow facilities you plan to acquire genetics from, and always ask questions about the clones themselves when purchasing.

2. Inspect Your Clones

Not all diseases, pests, pesticide residues, or genetic markers will be easy to spot with your naked eye, but giving your clones a good once-over before introducing them to your garden can help identify many problems beforehand if you know what to look for.
Here are a few identifiers to reference when inspecting your new potential clones:

Stem Width – Looking at the width of the stem is a great way to identify the overall health and vigor of the cutting as it was taken. Thin and narrow stems can be an indicator that your cutting may have been taken from a weaker or less viable branch. These cuttings may be more prone to disease or death and their root systems may take longer to develop.

Pests – Be sure to inspect all areas of your clone for the presence of pests. Larger pests such as fungus gnats and even spider mites in some cases can be spotted relatively easily. Check under each leaf, and don’t be afraid to check the soil medium as well for signs of pests. Certain pests can also leave markers, such as spider mites that may leave webbing or other insects that can leave trace bite marks.


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Disease – Many diseases can be difficult to detect in cuttings. However, there are a few early visual cues to be aware of. Lack of vigor is a major cue that can be easy to spot. Check for limping leaves, irregular or mutated growth, or even discoloration. Aside from some minor yellowing, which is an indicator that your plant may be developing roots, other colors should be inspected carefully. Powdery mildew (PM) is a very common disease found on clones. Although not systemic, mold spores can transfer on the surface of a cutting. Keep an eye out for white powder on the tops of your stem leaves.

Pesticides- It is almost impossible to detect if your cutting has been exposed to potentially harmful pesticides or fungicides. Oftentimes these applications leave zero residue, and due to their systemic nature, pesticides can live within your plant for the rest of its life cycle. If you see any residue on your clones that may be suspicious, ask your sales representative about their in-house integrated pest management (IPM), and always err on the side of caution before purchasing.


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3. Always Clean and Quarantine

(Wikimedia/Cannabis Training University)
If the clones look okay at the shop and you decide to take them home, make sure to take these last few precautionary steps before introducing them to the rest of your garden. First, transplant your new clone into a more permanent container/medium. Often the grow medium used to house fresh cuttings at the shop will be different than what you intend to use. Furthermore, pests may be present in the current medium, and it could help to transplant your clone to a potentially cleaner space to mitigate the potential root damage.

Take this time to properly clean your clone with whatever IPM solution you deem fit. A popular method for cleaning new clones involves “dipping” them into a light solution of whatever safe and approved pesticide you choose.


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After your clones have been properly cleaned and transplanted into their new medium, make sure that you keep them quarantined for a few days (up to a week). Doing this will ensure that if your clones do become symptomatic, you’re able to cull them without compromising the integrity of your entire grow space. If after the allotted time your clones seem safe to transfer, go ahead and introduce them to the rest of your garden.

Keep these three tips in mind the next time you find yourself in the market to pick up a clone for your garden. Being proactive when it comes to clone acquisition will not only potentially save you a huge headache at the end of the day, but will give you the assurance that your grow will be safe from the unknown hazards that may dwell with a malignant cutting.

 

[roots69]

How to Start a Cannabis ‘Mother Plant’

Why and How to Raise Your Own Cannabis ‘Mother Plant’
Cannabis plants come from one of two sources: a seed or a clone. When talking about cannabis breeding, “mother stock” typically refers to a highly valued plant that growers take clippings from to create clones, which are genetically identical cuts that can be re-planted to grow another plant.

Mother plants grow in a continual vegetative stage as clones are repeatedly clipped from her. Taking clones guarantees that all the plants in your garden will grow at generally the same rate, produce a similar quality product, and grow with the same vigor as the mother they came from.


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Let’s take a look at why mother plants are so important, as well as how to choose, protect, and preserve quality mother stock.

Why Are Cannabis Mother Plants Important?
Cannabis mother plants guarantee consistency, and this is key for growers who are expected to provide a product that customers demand time and time again.

When growing from seeds, growers have to deal with far more variability in growth patterns, nutrient needs, and other attributes. While some stable seeds produce less of this wild diversity, you may still have a hard time achieving the even canopy you’ll find with clones.


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Cannabis mothers will also save you time and money. Premium seeds cost upwards of $10 a pop, and purchasing individual clones can also get pricy. Instead of buying seeds every time you want to grow a new crop, germinate a handful of the same seeds and select a mother based on the criteria discussed below. A quality mother plant will provide you with quality clones over multiple seasons.

How to Select a Cannabis Mother Plant From Seeds
Because clones are genetically identical to their mothers, selecting a quality mother plant is crucial to a successful harvest. While a pack of seeds might all be the same strain, there are always different phenotypes (different physical expressions).


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Some plants express several different phenotypes, which can make selecting a mother more difficult. Others might produce a little more consistency, which simplifies the selection process. Regardless, the best path to selecting a quality mother is as follows:

• Step 1: Germinate the seeds.
• Step 2: Wait until the plants show their sex in vegetative growth, and then take a few clones from each female plant. Be sure to label which seed they came from.
• Step 3: Let the clones proceed to their flowering stage while keeping the original plants in vegetative growth.
• Step 4: As the new plants flower and are harvested, take note of traits like aroma, flavor, yield, bud structure, and growth pattern.
• Step 5: Take the corresponding original plant from whichever clones you liked most. This one is your new mother plant.

How to Protect Mother Plants
An initial step that some farmers take to protect their mother plants is germinating and growing them in an organic base.

“By starting out organic, you allow your mother plants to build up immunity to fight diseases as opposed to protecting them with strong non-organic mediums and nutrients,” said Cody Erickson, head grower of Khush Kush in Bellingham, Washington.


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You’ll also want to use the original plant from seed as your mother plant as opposed to the first clone she produced. Plants grown from seed are known to have stronger, deeper tap roots than those of their clones in addition to stronger immune systems.

Down the road, you can use nutrients specifically developed for mother plants that promote strong clones while keeping your mothers healthy as clones are repeatedly clipped from her. You’ll want clones taken from plants with strong cell walls and high carbohydrate levels. Nitrogen-rich nutrients result in rapid growth that leaves the plant with thinner cell walls and a lower density of carbohydrates. Instead, use nutrients that have a higher percentage of calcium to help bind cell walls and increase the density of carbohydrates. These carbohydrates and water stored in the clone will be used by the plant to produce roots.


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How to Preserve Cannabis Mothers
Mother plants have a life cycle, just like all living beings. Even with meticulous care, your favorite mother plant will show diminishing returns over time. The clones taken will grow with less vigor, produce lower-grade cannabis, and leave you reminiscing of better days.

This can take a year or two to occur, and while that seems like a long time, it’s best to store seeds from the plants you’re currently growing so that when the time comes, you’ll be ready to start over with the same genetics you love.

 

[roots69]

Is This You?

You are a do-er. You have a long list of responsibilities and an even longer list of things you want to accomplish. You are a dreamer. You have aspirations, some lofty and some that are turning into plans. You mean well. You’ve done things you aren’t proud of but you’re trying to learn from them. You know failure. You have invested time and effort (and at times your heart), only to come out empty-handed. You’ve known success. For all the growth failure has given you, you also know the sweet reward of winning. You’re growing. You may be 18 or 80, but regardless, you’re changing and learning everyday. You think independently. You question things and understand that life works in shades of grey. You like experience. You seek new thoughts or events to stretch your mind and change your perspective. You are a worker. You may not even be employed, but you are putting energy into something you find valuable every day. You are a part of a whole. Daughter, son, mother, father, friend, lover — you have a community that supports you and you them. Is this you?

Cannabis is a part of your life, but it is not your whole life. It’s a resource that adds value to your life. You may depend on it medically or you may covet it like you do your morning espresso. And just like your coffee, you appreciate high quality and only settle for blackened char at the most desperate of times. Depending on the occasion, you like it alone or with friends. You are thankful for cannabis, but if it were to disappear, your life would go on, maybe just with more difficulty. Your relationship with it is personal, irrelevant of what friends, family, or regulatory bodies have to say. You want the freedom — socially, politically, and ethically — to enjoy a flower that has supported you like a friend. Is this you?

This morning I put on my Leafly beanie. Pairing it with my thriftstore-bought Pendleton flannel that, although accidental, is so incredibly hipster, I had to smile. What a loaded get-up. I started mentally walking through my day: who would I be seeing, what kinds of people would I be around, who would I potentially offend by representing Leafly. The disgust I feel towards society as a whole in necessitating this inane thought process is only surpassed by the annoyance of having to answer people’s inquiries about my beanie. More often than not, beanie questions come from people who are critically uninformed on cannabis, leaving me in the unfortunate situation of either attempting to educate them in less than 30 seconds; delivering a standard, nonpartisan response that generally sparks further questioning; or — what I usually opt for — mumbling something incoherent and hoping they catch the subliminal “please leave me alone.”

Although occasionally antisocial, this aversion to discussing my beanie is really a product of the chastisement it usually elicits. Although I don’t mind the occasional social and/or political cannabis discussion, the conversation usually evolves into — sometimes silent, sometimes aggressive — disapproving condescension. Deflecting generalized assumptions about who I am or enduring a verbal onslaught of misinformation are two things I try hard to avoid. And I know I’m not alone.

Amid this thought process about my beloved beanie, I was struck with the ingenuity of Leafly. It’s truly beautiful. Unlike most controversial statements, Leafly is subtle. People who know Leafly give me a knowing smile (that I’ve fondly dubbed ‘that beanie acknowledgement smile’), sometimes a thumbs up, or if I’m especially lucky, a high five. You see, Leafly is a best-kept secret and my beanie is the clue. Those who don’t know Leafly have no idea it’s connected to cannabis, but for those who do, an instant connection is formed. In a time when touting your support of cannabis can be bold, these connections are gold. I can know nothing about someone, but as soon as they reveal that they’re Leafly-privy, we understand each other. Not only do I know that you are connected to cannabis, but I know you have a higher level of understanding. I know that we could probably be friends. And that is just one of the amazing aspects of the cannabis culture.

Within the industry there is a lot of talk about the ‘cannabis closet’; even in one of the most cannabis-progressive cities in the world, judgment is deeply rooted and too often harshly felt. It’s easy to feel alone. We can all use support. Even if your relationship with cannabis is entirely personal, I assert that you will benefit from connecting with folks who face the same challenges you face. And we’re everywhere, across generations and social divisions. Each beanie acknowledgement smile is an inspiring reminder of that.

If you are at all familiar with the cannabis community, you know that acceptance and openness is prevalent. We may scoff at the hippie origins, but we need to respect what that has given us and hang on to it as the industry grows and the culture evolves. Yes, peace and love for all is idealistic, but the environment those attitudes foster is one founded in kindness and authenticity, two attributes at times detrimentally undervalued. Cannabis consumers are genuine people, and more often than not, incredible friends. And that’s why I wear my beanie, because for every judgey finger pointed in my face, a fist pound and heart-felt smile are right around the corner.

Is that you?

 

[roots69]

A Gift From the Gods: The History of Cannabis and Religion

Does cannabis have any ties to religion? What we found may surprise you.




Cannabis has not only been used in religious ceremonies, it has a long-standing tradition in numerous world faiths. Let’s start with the area it’s been used the longest: China.

Cannabis in Chinese Religion
Taoist shamans used cannabis in combination with ginseng to reveal truths about the future, believing the plant had the ability to cast their spirit forward in time. In Taoism, cannabis consumption was reserved for religious officials and not shared with common people, which might explain its strange exclusion from ancient texts. By 200 C.E., the Han Dynasty of Imperial China had embraced Confucianism, abandoned Taoism and, with it, cannabis.

Cannabis in Indian Religion
While spiritual Chinese cannabis consumption may have ended by 200 C.E., it was just coming into its own in India. It is said that the gods sent hemp out of compassion for the human race so that they may attain delight, lose fear, and increase sexual desires. Other Hindu stories suggest cannabis originated from a spot of nectar dropped from Heaven. More popular is a theory that both gods and demons churned the milk ocean to obtain amrita, Sanskrit for immortality, and received cannabis as a result. Whichever story you believe, there’s no doubting that cannabis holds a sacred spot in the Hindu faith. In practice, the locally favored Hindu deity was given offerings of cannabis drinks during religious festivals; community members took part as well, sharing cannabis bowls amongst one another.

Cannabis in Tibetan Religion
India and Tibet share not only a border, but also a rich tradition of religious cannabis consumption. Tibet is a historically Buddhist nation. In Mahayana Buddhism, one of the two main branches of the religion, it is said that Guatama Buddha subsisted on one hemp seed a day for six years to aid in his path to enlightenment. Buddha is sometimes depicted holding a bowl of “soma” or cannabis leaves. Buddhist practitioners would often consume cannabis to facilitate meditation or heighten awareness during religious ceremonies.

Cannabis in Ancient Greek Religion
The ancient cultures of Scythia and Assyria were known to use cannabis incense for religious ceremonies. Herodotus, a Greek historian from the fifth century B.C.E. known as the “Father of History,” wrote that the Scythians held religious ceremonies in tent-like structures where they burned hemp plants in censers on wooden tripods (see image below). Participants communally inhaled smoke vapors for ritualistic and euphoric purposes. Assyrians are believed to have used cannabis incense as early as the 9th century B.C.E., though there is not yet archaeological evidence to support this claim. It is known, however, that Assyrians used cannabis incense to ward off evil spirits. It was commonly burned during funerary rituals and to cast out wicked spirits from children’s rooms.

Scythians placed hemp-filled censers, containers for burning incense, on makeshift tripods over an open flame to produce intoxicating vapors.
Cannabis in the Old Testament
Cannabis is clearly prominent in ancient eastern religions, but there are scholars who believe that Judaic and Christian traditions used the plant as well. In 1936, Polish etymologist Sula Benet proposed a radical new interpretation of Old Testament Hebrew text: according to her, a mistranslation that occurred in the original Greek version of the Old Testament mistook the Hebrew word for cannabis, kaneh bosm, as calamus, a plant traditionally used to make fragrances. If her translation is correct, this would fundamentally change our understanding of the Old Testament. References to kaneh bosm are made in Exodus, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekial. In Exodus, God commanded Moses to make a holy oil consisting of myrrh, sweet cinnamon, kaneh bosm, and cassia.

Cannabis in Jamaican Religion
Our research concluded in the modern western world, focused primarily on the island nation of Jamaica. Made popular in the U.S. first by Bob Marley and reintroduced by Snoop Lion (the artist formerly known as Snoop Dogg), the Rastafarian movement focuses on Jah, or God, and involves the spiritual use of cannabis and rejection of materialism and oppression. Rastafarians’ use of marijuana was subject to scrutiny in the 20th century. Drawn-out legal proceedings culminated in the 1993 Religious Freedom and Restoration Act which stated that the consumption of cannabis and other substances is legal under U.S. law for spiritual and religious purposes. That’s right, mon!

So what have we learned? Cannabis has not only been around a very, very long time, it’s been an important part of world religious traditions for thousands of years. So this year when you’re taking part in your own holiday traditions, be sure to light one up for the religious cannabis consumers of times past. If you’re lucky, your spirit may just commune with the Taoists of old.

 

[3rd__Optic]

Thanks for the information

 

[Mt Airy Groove]

Only a devil would demonize this plant. A gift from mother earth to provide medicinal along with pleasurable benefits to her inhabitants.
Great drop OP.

 

[DJCandle]

Great info.

I got some nutrient deficiency going on with two of my plants. Gotta give em a 1:1:1 of bloom nute before harvesting in two months time. Buds starting to come in nice and pistily tho.

 

[roots69]

How to Feed Your Trichomes: 5 Lessons in Crop Nutrition

Using the proper nutrients is vital to growing healthy plants.

Courtesy of Eli Coye


Look closely at your developing buds and you will notice small cat-claw to mushroom-like, jelly-filled protrusions coating the surface. These are trichomes—protective structures filled with what are referred to as secondary metabolites (SMs), which include terpenes and cannabinoids. These compounds give cannabis the powerful psychoactive and medicinal characteristics that make it a prized species of the plant kingdom. These structures begin to form in the early stages of the flowering cycle, but it’s not until the last few weeks that they really begin to swell. If you want your plant to fill these trichomes to capacity, you need to understand how your nutrient feed affects their development.

Understand Your Product Label
Every nutrient company gives you a different recipe and rarely explains why. There are 13 major nutrients plants use to grow, but most of the time it comes down to the three primary macronutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Let’s start with one frustrating detail about nutrient labels: P and K values as listed on the package do not indicate what is available to roots. These values are inflated by outdated labeling laws, and represent a theoretical amount of potassium oxide and phosphorus pentoxide. It will give you a headache trying to understand why they are labeled as such, but you should know that less than half the P listed is available to roots.

Get Acquainted With Your Water
Tap and well water contain a tremendous amount of minerals that complicate your ability to maintain pH levels and provide a balanced feed. Minerals carry either a positive or negative charge. Those that are positive share the same uptake channels and ports on the root surface, which can lead to competitive uptake. Calcium, magnesium, and potassium all have a positive charge and therefore when one is present in excess, it can restrict uptake of the others. Contact your municipal water supplier or get your well-water tested so that you know what minerals your plants are receiving in addition to your nutrient feed. Another option is to use a reverse osmosis water filter.

Courtesy of Eli Coye

Macronutrient Requirements Change As Buds Mature
When you’re growing a seedling, a heavy dose of nitrogen (N) is good because it will encourage accumulation of leaf area, which allows more light interception to produce the real food: carbohydrates. Potassium (K) is critical during this time because as the stems and leaves grow, K forces water into these tissues causing them to expand rapidly. However, once you reach the later stages of bud development, your buds aren’t expanding anymore. Now they are accumulating SMs which requires a moderate amount of N to maintain photosynthesis and a small amount of phosphorus (P). Most know that Cannabis needs a lot of P during the later growth stages. However, plants are inefficient at taking up P so if you dump a huge dose into the roots, most of it will either flush out or become bound with another nutrient and become unavailable.

Courtesy of Eli Coye

Grow Trichomes, Not Leaves and Stems
The primary (vegetative growth) and secondary (cannabinoids and terpenes) metabolism of plants share the same energy resources and your nutrient feed largely decides which one takes the lead. As nitrogen concentration increases, there is an exponential increase in growth and SM accumulation. However, there is a point when more N increases growth, but SM accumulation begins to decrease until it ceases altogether. In order to focus growth on trichomes, you should feed a moderate amount of N and P to sustain photosynthesis without deviating energy into vegetative growth.

Bud Quality Is Destroyed by Over-Fertilization
If electrical conductivity in your feed solution or root zone is too high, your plant’s ability to draw water into its roots by osmosis is restricted. One thing that happens far too often is a high nutrient dose in the second half of flowering. This encourages a straw-like flavor, reduced cannabinoid and terpene content, and a high chance of having bugs or mold attack your plant.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no secret sauce when it comes to nutrient formulas for crops. There are countless ways to bring a plant from the seedling stage to fully ripened buds so long as you stick to some of these central concepts.

 

[roots69]

Only a devil would demonize this plant. A gift from mother earth to provide medicinal along with pleasurable benefits to her inhabitants.
Great drop OP.

Right on!! Its one of the best gift on this planet!! I could never figure out how cannabis is being withheld from the people.. I have a pretty good idea why they dont want the people to enjoy cannabis, but we will save that story for another date.. Anyway, its just a matter of time and people will snap outta the illusion and figure out how ass backwards our lives have been under!!

Great info.

I got some nutrient deficiency going on with two of my plants. Gotta give em a 1:1:1 of bloom nute before harvesting in two months time. Buds starting to come in nice and pistily tho.

Ive gotta question for ya.. Are you into hydro or soil?? Anyway, keep up the good work with your flowers!!

 

[roots69]

Ten Things You Should Know Before Growing Marijuana


CANNABIS CULTURE – You might think getting into growing marijuana is an easy affair. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Growing marijuana successfully takes a great deal of planning and effort.

Each crop takes 8 to 10 weeks to mature, so the grower will have to spend at least an hour a day for that length of time caring for them to ensure a crop has all the yield and potency that is possible.

To that end, here’s a list of ten things to know before starting a grow op:

Power Requirements – The 1000 watt lamp is the norm for a grow op. Most residential circuits will blow the power breaker if you plug in two 1000 watt lamps into the same outlet, as the limit for most residential power outlets is 1500 watts. Trying to pull 2000 watts out of this circuit will just not work. Even if only one 1000 watt lamp is being used, the other electronics you’ll need for the grow ops such as fans and pumps will still overwhelm one circuit.

Growing Method – There are many different techniques to grow marijuana hydroponically. The most common growing methods include

Ebb & Flood – Take a plastic container and fill it with pea gravel. Flood the pea gravel with nutrient solution until the reservoir is full. Drain the nutrient solution out of the reservoir. The nutrient solution left over between the pea gravel will nourish the roots. Do this several times a day.

Peat & Perlite – This technique is simple and affective. Fill a large pot with a mixture of Peat and Perlite. Perlite is a glass product that retains a large amount of moisture. The peat gives a stable and inert growing medium for the roots to grow in to. The one drawback to this method is the salt accumulation midway in the growing cycle. Flush the salts down into the bottom of the pot by flooding with pure pH balanced water.

Nutrient Flow Technique (NFT) – Basically, the nutrient solution constantly flows through a flat-bottomed tray or a wide, round pipe (PVC plumbing pipes work excellent for this). The nutrient solution is allowed to flow over the roots of the plant, delivering the nutrient very efficiently. Because the roots are sitting in fast flowing water, a large amount of oxygen is delivered to the roots. Most NFT growers also aerate the solution in the reservoir to further increase the oxygen content of the nutrient solution.

Aeroponics – This method is a spin-off of NFT – the setup is almost the same. What changes, though, is the method of delivering the nutrient. Instead of having the nutrient flow over the roots, the nutrient is blown on in a fine mist via a special nozzle, much like the fuel injector on your car.

Nutrient Solution – Finding one nutrient solution that covers all of the plants’ nutritional needs is a tall task. The norm is to find a nutrient solution that covers as many of the essential chemicals required by the plant and adding a secondary nutrient source tailored to the 3 basic growth cycles marijuana grows through to become a mature plant.

Growing Area – Selecting a growing area can be tough to do. Find a spot with low amounts of dust. Dust carries pests, so find a clean area to start a crop. Also required is about 6 feet of clearance from the top to the bottom. This is because both the plant and the lamp require vertical space. The lamp must be kept a certain distance from the top of the plant to prevent the lamp from burning the tips of the plants.

Growing Space – Marijuana requires a large footprint to grow in. Each plant requires 4 square feet (2 feet by 2 feet) of growing space. If the plants are placed closer than this the limbs of each plant will block the light of the other plants, leading to an unhealthy crop.

pH & PPM – The pH of the nutrient solution refers to how acidic or how alkaline the nutrient solution is. Marijuana likes a pH of about 5.5, which is slightly acidic. PPM (Parts Per Million) refers to the potency of the nutrient solution. The required PPM of your nutrient solution depends on the nutrient type that will be used. Find the recommended PPM for fast growing leafy plants on the container the raw nutrient comes in.

Marijuana Strain – Selecting a strain of marijuana to grow can be complicated, as there are hundreds of different strains, each with their own pros and cons. Find a strain that is appealing according to length of time to maturity, potency and ease of growth. Some strains are finicky, so they shouldn’t be used as a first crop.

Odor Reduction – Marijuana has a very strong odor to it, especially in the budding stage. This odor can fill whatever building it is being grown in. Combat this with a hepa filter on a fan vented to the out of doors drawn directly from the growing area.

Nutrient Deficiencies – As the plant goes through the 3 stages of growth, it will require additions of raw nutrient in order to stay healthy. Purchase a good book that shows all of the common signs of nutrient deficiency or find a good web site as a reference.

Processing a Matured Plant – Once the plant has matured, it must be stripped of its buds. The buds must then be dried or cured in order to be suitable for smoking. Also decide if you’re going to use the leaves as the base for hash oil.

These are 10 points to think through and hopefully give an idea of what is involved in creating a successful grow op. One can never know too much about growing this magical plant, so be educated about growing, be diligent about the health of the crop and share the crop with friends.

 

[DJCandle]

Right on!! Its one of the best gift on this planet!! I could never figure out how cannabis is being withheld from the people.. I have a pretty good idea why they dont want the people to enjoy cannabis, but we will save that story for another date.. Anyway, its just a matter of time and people will snap outta the illusion and figure out how ass backwards our lives have been under!!





Ive gotta question for ya.. Are you into hydro or soil?? Anyway, keep up the good work with your flowers!!

Gd lks. I'm into soil. Not that I have anything against hydropnically grown cannabis, I just like to keep mine as close to natural as possible.

 

[brickcityhustla]

Thanks

 

[roots69]

What Is a Feed Chart and How Can It Improve Your Cannabis Garden?

(BorisVasilenko/iStock)
This article is sponsored by General Hydroponics, the leading innovator in the field of hydroponics for more than 35 years.


A helpful tool used by diligent cannabis cultivators is a feed chart. Feed charts are specific recommendations and guidelines provided by nutrient companies to help farmers achieve the healthiest and best crop possible. How and when a nutrient is introduced will trigger responses from the plant, and feed charts can help you understand what products you need to use and when they should be applied. This knowledge is particularly important in hydroponic gardens where you have complete control over nutrients.

Cannabis can be fed varying amounts of nutrient concentrations depending on the strain, stage of growth, and environment; introducing too many or too few nutrients to a cannabis plant can cause great harm to your garden. This is where feed charts come in handy. They provide specific instructions indicating when and where nutrient products should be applied.



It’s important to note that different plants have unique nutritional needsduring each phase of the growing cycle. Feed charts can provide an excellent foundation for novice growers, but as your skills develop, you may find it necessary to adjust feed charts based on your plant’s specific needs. In time, you’ll be able to create customized charts that take into consideration strain attributes, climate, water quality, and other factors. Remember, horticulture is a form of art, and practice makes perfect.

Reading Feed Charts for Cannabis Gardens
Although the concept of a feed chart might sound simple, you’ll first need to learn how to read one. Generally speaking, a feed chart is broken down into a grid. One axis lists nutrients while the other axis provides timeline information. For example, a hydroponic feed chart may be broken down in a week-by-week format, with different nutrients assigned to different weeks.


Click to view a PDF version of this sample feed chart
Most feed charts provide a ratio of nutrients per gallon of solution. Let’s say week one calls for 2.5mL of a nutrient—you would simply add 2.5mL of that nutrient per gallon into your solution. If you’re making 50 gallons of solution, multiply 2.5 by 50 and you’ll find that you need 125mL total in your 50 gallon tank.

Once you have mixed the nutrients into your solution, use a PPM (parts per million) reader to ensure the nutrient solution isn’t stronger than the chart advises. Additionally, feed charts may instruct you to add specific nutrients prior to other nutrients.

How to Adjust a Feed Chart
Feed charts provide loose instructions on how to effectively feed your cannabis, but they can always be adjusted to better suit the specific needs of your garden. To adjust a feed chart, first familiarize yourself with the suggested chart and know how your plants respond after these recommended feedings. Understanding a plant’s response to any given nutrient will help you predict how it will be affected when you increase or decrease that nutrient.

The key to successfully adjusting a feed chart is to record everything using a daily journal. Write down what the plants are being fed and when, as well as how the plants responded to the nutrients. By doing this, you can start identifying trends. For example, you might notice that you aren’t increasing vegetative nutrients fast enough to keep up with the size of your plants, or that bud growth is lacking in specific weeks. Having observed this through your notes, you’ll know to increase your nutrient solution at a slow pace.



When adjusting a feed chart, be aware of nutrient lockout and how it compares to nutrient deficiency. A lockout will occur when there is a buildup of nutrients in the grow medium, which then prohibits your plants from uptaking nutrients. This is the opposite of a nutrient deficiency, but they end up looking the same since, in both cases, the plant is not receiving its nutrients. However, by keeping track of your feedings, you should easily be able to tell if you have been underfeeding or overfeeding your plants.

Common Questions About Feed Charts
Below are some frequently asked questions about feed charts. Knowing the answers will help you successfully keep and maintain a feed chart of your own.

What’s the Difference Between Simple and Expert Charts?
The difference between simple and expert charts is based on the number of nutrients used. Simple charts will supply your garden with everything it needs to thrive, but expert charts will introduce a longer list of nutrients to improve your garden. The additional nutrients may increase the plant’s yield, enhance aroma, and flavor, and/or lend an extra boost to its growth and immune system.


Click to view a PDF version of this sample standard/basic feed chart, as well as an example of an expert feed chart for comparison
What Are Drain-to-Waste and Recirculating Systems?
Drain-to-waste systems use nutrient solutions only once, whereas a recirculating system will recycle the runoff. Both of these systems have upsides and downsides.

The advantages of a drain-to-waste system include:

• Nutrients are more fresh and consistent
• The pH stays stable
• Undesirable pathogens are less likely to spread between plants

On the other hand, a drain-to-waste system wastes nutrients that are left in the runoff.



Recirculating systems are more economical as they maximize nutrients. However, there are some issues associated with recirculated nutrients:

• The pH and nutrient levels of your solution can change as old nutrients are recirculated into your feeding tank
• Recirculating your solution may allow unwanted pathogens to be spread between plants

Why Do Numbers on the Bottle Differ From the Chart?
Numbers differ between feed charts and bottles because a feed chart plans for the combination of multiple nutrients, while the bottle accounts only for the use of a single nutrient in isolation. Using only the recommendations on each nutrient bottle, you may find yourself with a solution that is too strong for your plants to handle.



What Does PPM Mean?
PPM (parts per million) is a measurement that is used to identify the density of a nutrient solution. Using a PPM reader allows you to accurately measure the nutrients going into your garden, information that is vitally important when addressing nutrient lockout or deficiency.

Why Are pH Levels Important?
If the pH level is too high or too low, your plants cannot uptake the nutrients they need to thrive. Keeping a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 for hydroponic grows–or 6.0 and 6.8 for soil gardens–is absolutely necessary for your plants to reach their full potential.

 

[roots69]

What Are the Best Nutrients for Growing Cannabis?
LEAFLY STAFF
July 21, 2016

For the first-time grower, it can be a truly daunting task to select the best nutrients for their cannabis, and they’ll often spend far more money than they need to. With so many options to choose from that range from hydroponic to organic nutrients, new growers can quickly get overwhelmed. But with a little bit of knowledge about the requirements of cannabis plants and how they absorb and utilize nutrients, you can confidently select the products you need without breaking the bank.

Which Elements Does a Cannabis Plant Need?

Your cannabis plant needs a main group of elements that are collectively referred to as macronutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the mineral and non-mineral elements you need to feed your plant.

Mineral nutrients obtained from the soil:

• Nitrogen (N)
• Phosphorus (P)
• Potassium (K)
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Sulfur

Non-mineral elements derived from air and water:

• Carbon
• Hydrogen
• Oxygen

The three numbers shown on the front of fertilizer bags, nutrient solution bottles, or other additives indicate how much of the three main elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) is available in the product. For example, a product that says “10-4-4” will contain 10% available nitrogen, 4% phosphorus, and 4% potassium by weight. These are always listed in the order of N-P-K.

All other mineral nutrients are grouped into the category of micronutrients, as they are used in much lower quantities. This group consists of the following elements:

• Zinc
• Iron
• Manganese
• Molybdenum
• Chlorine
• Cobalt
• Silicon
• Boron
• Copper

While cannabis plants require very low concentrations of these elements to thrive, they are still vital to the overall health and growth of the plant.

Next, we’ll examine the main types of nutrients used by cannabis growers today as well as their proper application. Before you start growing, however, we highly recommend learning about the basic mechanisms through which plants absorb water and nutrients, osmosis and active transport.

Hydroponic (Soilless) Cannabis Nutrients

Hydroponic growing is simply the practice of growing plants without soil, usually with some other sort of substrate like rockwool, clay pebbles, coco coir, or some sort of mix. Many of the premium “potting soils” marketed for growing cannabis are actually soilless blends. Most indoor cannabis growers are growing hydroponically, even if they’re using buckets of “potting soil” and hand watering each plant.

For this reason, the vast majority of the nutrients sold specifically for cannabis cultivation are hydroponic nutrients. These products are comprised of concentrated mineral salts, usually in liquid form but sometimes as powders, that are to be diluted in water to a level that is suitable for the plant.




Nutrients must be water soluble in order for the plant to absorb them. Liquid products are sold in two parts (usually labeled “part A” and “part B”) because they contain elements that will precipitate out of the solution if mixed together at a high concentration, making them unavailable. Combined in the correct volume of water, this is not an issue.

Products are also divided between “Grow” solutions, high in nitrogen needed for vegetative growth, and “Bloom,” high in phosphorus for flower development, because the cannabis plant has different nutritional needs during different stages of growth.

Great care should be taken when applying hydroponic nutrients, as overfeeding can lead to plant damage and even death. A general rule of thumb is to start at about 25% of the level recommended on the product label and gradually work up to full strength. Hydroponic nutrients are often used by soil growers with good results, but this technique is not recommended for the beginner.

Soil Nutrients and Organics for Cannabis

What sets soil apart from hydroponic media is the presence of non-inert organic matter like humus, compost, manure, and worm castings that contain many macro and micronutrients. Much of the nutritional value in these substances is locked up in non-soluble form, however, and must be processed by soil-dwelling microbes and fungi in order to be of use to the plant. Non-organic nutrients designed for soil growing are less common at the grow shop because they can quickly build up in the soil, harming the soil life as well as preventing the uptake of water and nutrients by the root system.

Organic fertilizers and nutrients for cannabis are far more forgiving; they usually contain less immediately soluble nutrients and more elements that are beneficial to soil organisms. The first-time grower who decides to use soil as their medium would be well advised to stick to organic fertilizers and nutrients.




The least expensive way to do this is to use things like blood meal and fish meal for nitrogen, bone meal and bat guano for phosphorus, wood ash and kelp meal for potassium, dolomite lime for calcium and magnesium, and epsom salts as a source of magnesium and sulfur. Most of these items can be purchased cheaply at your local home and garden center and then mixed in small amounts into the soil before potting. Done correctly, you’ll only need to water your plants and occasionally add carbohydrates to feed the soil life. There are also commercially available soil blends that already contain the proper mix of these types of ingredients.

Alternately, there are pre-mixed organic nutrient solutions you can buy that take the guesswork out of feeding your plants. These tend to be expensive, but the benefit is that you can simply follow the manufacturer’s feeding schedule and get good results.




The key to successful organic growing is cultivating a diverse and healthy population of soil microbes and mycorrhizae in the soil. Many premium soil blends come pre-inoculated with these organisms, and there are many (often expensive) additive products available that add additional life to your medium. However, the best (and cheapest) method of inoculating your soil is through actively aerated compost tea (AACT), something you can make yourself with just a few inexpensive items. By using this technique, you may find that you don’t need to add very much in the way of nutrients or fertilizers; the soil life will process the organic matter in the soil into nutrition the plant can readily absorb.

There are many ways to grow cannabis, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. Organic soil is more forgiving of mistakes and less than ideal conditions, but often produce smaller yields and slower growth. Hydroponics and synthetic nutrients can offer bigger yields and quicker flowering times, but require a great deal of attention and knowledge to be successful. The best advice for the beginning grower when selecting nutrients and fertilizers is to make sure you’re using products that are compatible with your technique and medium, as well as with each other. Doing a little research before your first grow can prevent wasted money spent on unnecessary products. Happy growing!

 

[roots69]

Rebel’s Guide to Home Growth


CANNABIS CULTURE – The seeds of cannabis liberation now sprout worldwide. Here’s what you’ll need to know to cultivate your own crops:

If you’re a cannabis enthusiast and live in an area where it’s legal to grow your own, well… lucky you! However, it can be daunting trying to figure out where to start. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started and make sure you get the most of out of your crop.

Where Can I Grow Cannabis?

Cannabis grows best in warmer climates. If you live in a warm climate, growing marijuana outside is an option, but many growers choose to build a grow house instead, simply because it provides a greater level of environmental control so you’re able to get the most from your crop without worrying about the fickle whims of Mother Nature.

Building a Grow House

Building a grow house is often your best choice when it comes to getting the most out of your growing experience. A grow house is usually divided into two sections — the growing section and the drying section.

The growing section should act like a greenhouse, either relying on natural sunlight or grow lights, depending on where you live. Using a greenhouse allows you to control a number of factors that could affect your plant’s growth, including humidity, temperature, and contaminants like pollen, molds, or pests. Grow houses are a great choice because they also allow you to ensure that your crop can be protected — legal grow houses are highly regulated, so it’s essential to keep your investment safe.

The drying section, as its name suggests, is used to dry the completely grown plants. It’s a humidity controlled environment where the plants and leaves can be dried without worrying about it mildewing or rotting on the rack.

A grow room can be as small as a cupboard or as large as a greenhouse, depending on your needs and what is legal in your area — which varies depending on whether you’re a Canadian grower or you hail from the states.

Your Starter Shopping List

In addition to your plants, which we’ll discuss in a minute, you need 6 things to ensure that your plants grow successfully.

• Light — You can get by with natural light, but if you don’t get enough sunlight in your area, artificial lights are your best option.
• Air — Air circulation is essential for healthy plants, but you don’t need a stiff breeze. Just enough to keep the air moving.
• Medium — What are you going to plant your marijuana plants in? Dirt isn’t the only option; there are other growth mediums that you can choose.
• Water — This is common sense. You need water to grow plants. You do also have to keep track of the PH of the water you’re using.
• Temperature Control — Marijuana grows best in warm climates. If you live somewhere cold, you’ll need to keep your grow house warm. It’s recommended that you keep the air in your grow house at a temperature that is warm and constant, but below 85 degrees Fahrenheit, or 29 degrees Celsius.
• Nutrients — Typical soil doesn’t have the right nutrients to sustain a marijuana plant, so you’ll have to supplement.

Now that you’ve got all the basics, it’s time to get started with the really fun part — growing!

Learning the Life Cycle of Cannabis

The life cycle of cannabis starts in spring and ends in winter. You’ll plant your seeds in the spring and they’ll sprout and continue to grow throughout the summer. Once the days start getting shorter, your plants will begin to produce either flowers or pollen.

After your plants are pollinated, the ‘female’ plants will make seeds. Hang on to those seeds — you can use them to continue growing your strain next season.

This only applies to plants grown outdoors. You can keep your plants in a perpetual state of spring or summer by controlling temperature and light levels, allowing them to continue producing year round as long as they have the proper nutrients. This will keep them in the ‘vegetative state’ where they grow stems and leaves. The flowering stage is what you’re really looking for. That is when the buds and flowers are being produced, which is the part of the plant you want to harvest.

Male vs. Female Plants

We all know the difference between men and women, but did you know that there are male and female cannabis plants?

Most flowers generate both male and female reproductive organs. In marijuana plants, they develop two distinctive genders. To determine the gender, look for the pre-flowers that grow between the nodes (the area where the leaves and stalks grow apart.) Male pre-flowers are small round nodes, while female ones grow with tiny hair like stalks sticking out of them.

The buds that are consumed, the large ones full of resin, are from female plants.

If you want to allow cross pollination, you can keep male and female plants in the same grow house, but if you separate the male and female plants, you can encourage your female plants to grow large resinous buds. Seeded buds are harsher to smoke, though so keep that in mind when you’re separating your plants.

What Strain Should I Grow?

There are dozens of different strains of marijuana grown all around the world, but they all fall into one of three categories — indica, sativa, or hybrid strains.

Indica strains are the ones that tend to cause more of a physical high. They also tend to be mellower than the other strains, which makes them ideal for people looking for relaxation or help sleeping. They grow in small, short bushes, which makes them ideal for growers with small growing spaces.

Sativa strains cause more of a mental high, and tend to have a more energetic result. They’re a great option for people who need a bit more energy before a project or a social gathering. Sativa strains do tend to grow much taller than indicia though.

Hybrids are a combination of the two — whether they provide energy or sedative qualities depends on the characteristics that they inherit from their parent strains.

What type of strain you grow will depend on your individual needs — make sure you research the specific growing needs for each strain.

Harvesting

If your plants are growing well, it can be hard to tell when it might be time to harvest. This is going to depend on your particular strain, but in general, there are a few things that you should look for, including:

• An apparently decline in the plant’s health — You’ll see the stems start to turn red and the leaves start to turn yellow.
• Resin starts to darken — The resin on the buds will start to change to a darker color.
• Pistils start to turn red — You might need a magnifying glass or a digital microscope to see this but once the pistils on the buds start changing color, you’re getting close to harvest time.

Indica strains are ready to harvest after about 8 weeks. Sativa strains take around 10 weeks to fully mature. Once you’re ready to harvest, you’ll need to dry the plants to get the best yield out of them.

Growing cannabis, where it is legal to do so, can be a great way to ensure that you always have what you need on hand — and getting started isn’t as complicated as you might think.

 

[roots69]

Gd lks. I'm into soil. Not that I have anything against hydropnically grown cannabis, I just like to keep mine as close to natural as possible.

Right on, bruh!! I tried growing in soil once and I couldnt figure out how to PH the water and soil!! So I went back to my handy DWC hydro system.. But my question is, how do you PH ur water and nutes and soil??

 

[roots69]

TETRA CONCENTRATES
Keif - (1lb)
THC crystal shaken from a dried marijuana plant.

$3,000.00


PRODUCT DETAILS

THC crystal shaken from a dried marijuana plant. Ideal for adding and increasing THC content in your joints and bowls. It will upgrade what ever needs a little kick for a very long time.